MEGA SESSION: The Six Elements of Strategic Thinking: A Common Framework for Developing Strategic Leaders
Most executives do not consider themselves strategic, or feel adequately trained to be strategic thinkers. Yet, strategic leadership is dually important in both delivering HR services effectively and in developing adaptive leaders who enable your business to thrive amidst constant uncertainty. There has not been a common framework for identifying and developing strategic thinkers — until now. Award-winning researcher Dr. John Austin unpacks the six key elements of strategic thinking that allow leaders to think strategically and navigate the unknown effectively, and teaches you how to apply this framework to develop strategic leaders.
John Austin, Ph.D.

John Austin, an award-winning researcher and engaging teacher, is fascinated by the different ways that people react to, and inspire, change. “I’ve begun to see that it isn’t about charisma, but about process and perseverance.” As a Principal in Executive Development, he explores a fundamental question: how do great leaders catalyze transformation?
John has worked with leaders across industries. His client lists include Hewlett-Packard, General Electric, Merck, The US National Park Service, Nokia, HSBC, Pfizer, and The University of Pennsylvania.
John’s teaching and training experience spans a broad range, from MBA students to practicing managers to top executives. He is skilled at translating strategies and concepts into actionable, engaging programs. He has been a faculty member at Smeal College of Business at Penn State University and The University of Washington, and teaches at The Wharton School, Georgetown University, and Duke Corporate Education. He has also helped to found two companies based on his research.
John earned a B.A. in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in management from Boston College. His research has been published in leading management and applied psychology journals, as well as practice-oriented magazines like HR Magazine. He has been cited in numerous major media outlets, including CNN, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.
Follow John on Twitter @TripleTranslate
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