It is a public knowledge that emotional intelligence, creativity and communication skills are the most demanded skills in this AI era. Somehow, the most important skill is often overlooked.
As our world is getting complex with the increasing environmental, financial and political issues, the human brain capable of grasping all the information and coming up with the solutions to move forward is becoming ever important. That is the strategic thinking skill. Not only international experts arguing this, Mongolian business leaders are also highlighting the importance of a strategic thinking.
It was believed that only the CEOs and senior level employees have to be strategic thinkers. Tech companies often asked problem solving questions from the potential candidates. As Lambda Global’s founder and CEO Bayarsaikhan Volodya mentioned in his Medium post back in 2016, a Product manager would receive a question like “How would you solve Seattle’s traffic jam problem?”. Today, not only tech companies, most employers are starting to ask this type of question from the mid-level candidates at the interview. They are looking for an employee, who has ability to resolve complex issues. Human resource experts are emphasizing that in recent years the word “strategic” has doubled on the vacancy announcements. As AI is taking over the daily tasks, it is becoming more important to be able to do the work that AI cannot resolve.
The good news is that everyone can develop and improve their strategic thinking skills. Same as other skills, with practice and dedication it can be strengthened over time.
How to become a strategic thinker – Master below qualities:
Visionary thinking
Imagine your big goals and make a thorough plan to achieve it. Use the past patterns and the data to make an informed plan. Being a strategic thinker is about balancing the long-term bigger goals with an actionable data-driven plan.
It is the ability to reflect on the past, imagine the future and act at the present.
Even in our personal lives, people without a clear goal often feel lost and struggle moving forward. Consequently, seeing the end goal clearly is utmost important and the first thing the strategic thinker should do. Once you can see the end goal clearly, you should draw the roadmap that will lead to the goal. An analysis on the past patterns will help you to be better prepared and draw a clear roadmap.
Curious thinking
The next thing you should do – be curious. Close-minded people, who only sees the front of their table are often biased and judgmental. This attitude blocks them from seeing new solutions and opportunities. Look at issues from different perspectives. Get outside your bubble. Different sectors, different questions, different solutions will help you to identify more opportunities.
Systems thinking
Think beyond your job description and the department you are working in. Try to understand how different parts affecting each other, including the internal and external components. What can be improved. Think beyond the numbers, look for the stories behind it. What human aspect is happening behind those numbers. How all things are connected.
Collaborative thinking
Listen to colleagues, partners and customer’s opinions and involve them in the process. Strategic thinking requires diverse viewpoints and experiences. It is not about sitting in your office and do the thinking alone. On the contrary, it is about talking to people and together coming up with new ideas and solutions.
We, Mongolians, are believed to have strategic thinking trait in our genes as the descendants of warriors. The latest proof of it was the Netflix’s Physical Asia show, where the Mongolian team demonstrated excellent strategic thinking skill. Now, we have to demonstrate this skill on our everyday work.
References:
1. How to identify candidates with advanced strategic thinking skills, Staffing Advisors, 2025
2. Five key elements of strategic thinking business leaders should know, Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness, 2026
3. Staying ahead of the ask: Why strategic thinking is your career’s greatest defense, Kena Pitts, M.C, Forbes, 2026
4. Strategic thinking: The Sough-after skill leaders rarely find in employees, Jeff Merck, Certainty news, 2024.