The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking

“In today’s turbulent times, strategic thinking is more important than ever. The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking offers an essential blueprint for leading your organization into an uncertain future. In it, Michael Watkins challenges the idea that strategic thinking is just art, providing the fundamental principles and tools that drive success. Dive into his outstanding guide and become the best strategic thinker you can be.” – Darius Adamczyk, executive chairman, Honeywell

“Whether you’re just embarking on your career path, driving initiatives on your team, or leading a multinational enterprise, this insightful book is an essential roadmap for your journey toward strategic thinking, planning, and executing with excellence. It provides practical tools and techniques for strategic thought leadership and decision-making.” – Cristal Downing, EVP and chief communications and public affairs officer, Merck & Co.

“Professor Watkins successfully breaks down a previously elusive leadership concept by presenting it in a tangible and pragmatic manner. His book empowers readers not only to recognize these attributes in others but also to identify their presence in our own approach.” – Edilson Camara, Egon Zehnder

“More than ever, business leaders must be strong strategic thinkers. In The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, Michael Watkins defines what strategic thinking is and why it’s so important. He shows it’s a skill that can be developed and provides a roadmap for enhancing it through the right mix of on-the-job experience and mental exercise. Every aspiring executive can benefit from his insights.” – Jean-Francois Manzoni, President, The International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

“Watkins’ penchant for multistep processes and enumerated lists ensures his suggestions are easy to follow, and his concise style will appeal to readers in a hurry. This no-nonsense manual gets the job done.” – Publishers Weekly

Michael D. Watkins is a professor of leadership and organizational change at the IMD Business School and a cofounder of Genesis Advisers. In 2023, he was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame in recognition of his decades of contributions to management and leadership. Originally from Canada, Michael received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo, did graduate work in law and business at the University of Western Ontario, and completed his Ph.D. in decision sciences at Harvard University. He subsequently was a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School and an affiliate faculty member at the Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation.

Michael is the author of sixteen books, including Right From the Start (with Dan Ciampa), The First 90 Days, Shaping the Game, and Master Your Next Move. The First 90 Days has been called “the onboarding bible” by the Economist and is an Amazon “100 Leadership and Success Books to Read in a Lifetime.” An international bestseller, it has also been translated into 20 languages. He is also the author or co-author of dozens of articles on leadership in the Harvard Business Review and Sloan Management Review. In addition to his research and writing, Michael coaches C-level executives taking new roles, supports leadership team development at senior levels, and consults extensively on organizational transformation.