I think some of the most important characteristics and traits of a strategic thinker are forward-thinking, respect for others, and the willingness to be courageous. When asking the important questions to ascertain how a strategy may positively or negatively affect other units within your organization, you must be open to the fact that the strategy which seems so important to the success of your unit may not be the best for the organization as a whole. I think one of the things I struggle with most is the ability to separate tactical thinking and strategic thinking, since prior to my current role I have pretty much lived a quadrant 1 existence, dealing with situations that are Urgent and Important and needed to be dealt with immediately. Since I have started this course, the separation between the two thought processes is much clearer.
