Tactical Thinking 101: 7 Steps to Making Smarter Decisions

Tactical thinking is a critical skill for leaders in any field. It involves the ability to quickly assess a situation, identify the key issues, and develop a plan of action. Tactical thinkers are able to make decisions under pressure, think strategically, and adapt to changing circumstances.

1. Define the Problem

The first step in tactical thinking is to define the problem. This means understanding the specific issue that you need to address. What are the goals? What are the obstacles? What are the constraints?

2. Gather Information

Once you have defined the problem, you need to gather information about it. This may involve talking to stakeholders, conducting research, or analyzing data. The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to make a decision.

3. Identify the Options

Once you have gathered information, you need to identify the different options that are available to you. This may involve brainstorming, consulting with experts, or reviewing past decisions.

4. Evaluate the Options

Once you have identified the options, you need to evaluate them. This means considering the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential risks and rewards.

5. Make a Decision

Once you have evaluated the options, you need to make a decision. This should be based on the best available information, as well as your own judgment and experience.

6. Communicate the Decision

Once you have made a decision, you need to communicate it to the relevant stakeholders. This may involve giving a presentation, writing a report, or simply having a conversation.

7. Implement the Decision

Once you have communicated the decision, you need to implement it. This may involve setting up a new process, launching a new product, or making a change to your organization.

Tactical Thinking in Practice

Tactical thinking is a skill that can be used in any situation. Here are a few examples of how tactical thinking can be used in the workplace:

• A manager needs to decide how to improve the performance of a team. They gather information about the team's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the current market conditions. They then identify several different options, such as hiring a new team member, providing additional training, or changing the team's structure. They evaluate the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential risks and rewards. They then make a decision based on the best available information.
• A salesperson needs to close a sale with a new customer. They gather information about the customer's needs, as well as their budget and timeline. They then identify several different options, such as offering a discount, providing a free trial, or creating a custom solution. They evaluate the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential risks and rewards. They then make a decision based on the best available information.
• A project manager needs to develop a plan for a new project. They gather information about the project's goals, scope, and budget. They then identify several different options, such as using a waterfall approach, an agile approach, or a hybrid approach. They evaluate the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential risks and rewards. They then make a decision based on the best available information.

The Benefits of Tactical Thinking

Tactical thinking can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Improved decision-making: Tactical thinking can help you make better decisions by providing you with a structured approach to the decision-making process.
• Increased efficiency: Tactical thinking can help you increase your efficiency by allowing you to focus your time and energy on the most important tasks.
• Reduced stress: Tactical thinking can help you reduce stress by providing you with a clear plan of action.
• Increased confidence: Tactical thinking can help you increase your confidence by giving you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Conclusion

Tactical thinking is a critical skill for leaders in any field. It can help you make better decisions, increase your efficiency, reduce stress, and increase your confidence. If you want to be a more effective leader, I encourage you to develop your tactical thinking skills.