Capacity Building: Strategic Decision Making
In a fast-moving environment, non-profit leaders face daily choices—yet not all decisions require the same level of strategy. This practical session helps you distinguish between routine, operational, and truly strategic decisions, and gives you a clear framework for approaching each one with intention and confidence.
Through real-world examples and interactive tools, you’ll explore the five core elements of strategic thinking and how they shape stronger, more future-focused decisions. You’ll leave with practical techniques you can apply immediately in your role—whether you’re making decisions individually or guiding your team or board through shared choices.
Suggested Participants
Board Members, Executive Directors/CEOs, and senior staff.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Understand what makes decisions “strategic”
- Understand the five elements of strategic thinking and what each requires: intent focus, hypothesis-driven, systems perspective, thinking in time, and intelligent opportunism
- Apply tools and techniques to enhance strategic thinking and decision-making
- Understand which types of decisions can be made by one person versus those that require broader participation
Benefits
- Make better long-term choices. Learn what makes a decision “strategic” and how to prioritize what matters most.
- Strengthen your strategic thinking muscle. Use proven tools to think more broadly, anticipate consequences, and spot opportunities.
- Improve team and board alignment. Clarify which decisions you can make on your own and which require broader participation.
- Use strategy filters with confidence. Apply consistent criteria to evaluate options and move forward with clarity.
Topics Covered
- Decision Types and Requirements – distinguishing operational vs. strategic decisions and aligning the right people in the process
- Elements of Strategic Thinking – intent focus, hypothesis-driven thinking, systems perspective, thinking in time, and intelligent opportunism
- Strategy Filters – criteria and tools for evaluating options and guiding consistent decision-making