Strategic thinking refers to the ability to find the shortest way to achieve a specific goal, analyze potential outcomes of a situation, identify the opportunities and risks, and to make decisions and develop long-term plans that align with the objectives of the organization.
Abstract thinking is often a key component of strategic thinking but is a broader term that goes beyond strategic thinking. Abstract thinking involves the capacity to think beyond the concrete and literal and taking a step back to see the bigger picture from a top-down perspective. It often includes analyzing information, identifying patterns, and making connections between seemingly unrelated things or ideas. This results in the ability to form mental models or frameworks that allow individuals to understand and make sense of complex information and draw conclusions, which can then be used to generate new insights and solutions.
