Sorry, this page is no longer available

We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

On Strategy

What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy - PART 1

Luc de Brabandere

In the expression “creative thinking”, the keyword is not creativity; the keyword is thinking. With the help of great philosophers, you will rediscover the art of thinking.

To help leaders to be rigorous even without figures, great philosophers have lots of ideas. Managers are invited to rediscover the art of thinking. They should understand the role of mental models, realize the importance of cognitive bias, agree on clear definitions and efficient criteria etc.

In the expression “creative thinking”, the keyword is not creativity; the keyword is thinking. With the help of great philosophers, you will rediscover the art of thinking.

Creativity demands the ability to unshackle ourselves from conventional ways of thinking, to "think outside the box". But we need to go a step further. Once outside the box, we need to construct a new box or boxes (that is, new intellectual frameworks or models) to help us structure our thinking. Only once we have done so can we generate truly game-changing ideas.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

The Forgotten Half of Change

This lecture will discuss how strategy is mostly about leading change. New ideas are required because the world of tomorrow will be, again, different. And we need to remember change has two faces : perception and reality.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

This course is highly relevant to leaders, strategists, and managers who want to develop their critical thinking skills

Taught by renowned philosopher Luc de Brabandere, this course draws on the wisdom of great philosophers to help learners develop their thinking abilities

Develops foundational skills in critical thinking, such as identifying mental models, recognizing cognitive biases, and defining clear criteria

Focuses on practical applications of critical thinking in leadership and strategy, making it highly relevant to professionals in these fields

Covers a wide range of topics, including perception, mental models, creativity, and change, providing a comprehensive exploration of critical thinking

Requires a base understanding of philosophy and critical thinking principles, which may not be suitable for all learners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Strategy through philosophical lenses part 1

According to learners, this course offers a thought-provoking and unique perspective on strategy by exploring philosophical concepts. Many find the instructor's approach engaging and insightful, appreciating the connection between ancient thinking and modern management challenges. While it provides a strong foundation for thinking differently, some reviewers noted it felt quite abstract and would benefit from more practical examples directly applicable to daily management tasks. Students generally find it a worthwhile intellectual journey that broadens horizons, though its utility for immediate, hands-on strategy execution may vary.

Instructor's delivery is insightful and clear.

"The instructor is clearly passionate and presents complex ideas in a very accessible way."

"I found the lectures highly engaging; the professor's style kept me hooked."

"His insights and examples made the philosophical concepts relevant to my work."

"The instructor does an excellent job of guiding you through the material."

Encourages deep reflection on thinking.

"It made me seriously question and reflect on my own thinking processes and biases."

"The material challenges you to think deeply about how strategies are formed."

"This course stimulated my intellect in ways I didn't expect for a management topic."

"Perfect for anyone wanting to improve their analytical and critical thinking skills."

Applies philosophy to management strategy.

"The unique angle of connecting philosophy to business strategy was fascinating and eye-opening."

"This course offers a perspective on strategy I haven't encountered anywhere else."

"I appreciated the novel approach to strategic thinking using philosophical ideas."

"It provides a very different, non-conventional way to think about strategic challenges."

Lays foundation, but may feel incomplete.

"As Part 1, it clearly sets the stage but leaves you feeling like there's more to come."

"It's a good introduction, but the course ends just as it feels like it's getting to practical applications."

"Understanding this is just the first part helps manage expectations; it's foundational."

Some find it too theoretical, lacking practical application.

"While intellectually stimulating, I struggled to see the direct, day-to-day practical application for a manager."

"It felt quite abstract at times; could use more concrete business case studies."

"Less about 'how-to' strategy and more about the underlying philosophy of thought."

"If you're looking for tactical strategies, this might not be the right fit. It's very philosophical."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in On Strategy : What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy - PART 1 with these activities:

Review past coursework in philosophy

Show steps

Brushing up on past knowledge will help you think more clearly about the material in this course.

Show steps

Go through your old notes and presentations
Take practice quizzes from previous courses
Re-read key chapters from your old textbooks

Read "The Republic" by Plato

Show steps

Reading "The Republic" will give you a deep understanding of the philosophical ideas that have shaped Western civilization.

View Plato on Amazon

Show steps

Get a copy of "The Republic"
Read the book carefully, taking notes on the main ideas
Summarize the main arguments of the book in a short essay

Watch videos on the history of philosophy

Show steps

Learning about the history of philosophy will give you a deeper understanding of how philosophical ideas have evolved over time.

Browse courses on History of Philosophy

Show steps

Find a series of videos on a specific philosopher or philosophical movement
Watch the videos in order, taking notes on the key ideas
Summarize the main points of each video in a short paragraph

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Join a study group or discussion forum

Show steps

Participating in a study group or discussion forum will allow you to exchange ideas with other students and to get feedback on your work.

Show steps

Find a study group or discussion forum that is relevant to the course
Participate regularly in the group's discussions
Ask questions and share your own insights

Practice logical reasoning problems

Show steps

Practicing logical reasoning problems will help you to develop your critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Logical Reasoning

Show steps

Find a collection of logical reasoning problems
Solve the problems carefully, using a step-by-step approach
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need to improve

Write a blog post on a philosophical topic

Show steps

Writing a blog post will help you to clarify your understanding of a philosophical topic and to communicate your ideas more effectively.

Browse courses on Philosophy of Mind

Show steps

Choose a philosophical topic that you are interested in
Do some research on the topic and gather your thoughts
Write a blog post that presents your argument or perspective
Edit and proofread your blog post before publishing it

Develop a philosophical argument

Show steps

Developing a philosophical argument will help you to develop your critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Browse courses on Philosophy

Show steps

Choose a philosophical topic that you are interested in
Gather evidence and arguments to support your position
Develop a clear and concise argument
Write a paper or give a presentation that presents your argument

Volunteer at a philosophy-related organization

Show steps

Volunteering at a philosophy-related organization will give you the opportunity to put your philosophical knowledge into practice.

Show steps

Find a philosophy-related organization that you are interested in working with
Contact the organization and ask about volunteer opportunities
Complete the organization's volunteer training program
Volunteer regularly with the organization

Career center

Learners who complete On Strategy : What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy - PART 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corporate Philosopher

Corporate Philosophers lead the thinking process in a company, helping redefine values and goals to spur change. This course in strategic thinking can help one trained as a Philosopher to work in the corporate world by giving them the tools they need to make hard choices, overcome cognitive biases, and guide their company toward success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Philosopher

Consultant

Consultants are hired by companies to help them improve their efficiency and effectiveness and to make better decisions. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Consultants build the skills they need to take into their consulting work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Market Researcher

Market Researchers study the market for businesses by gathering data about what people are buying, why they are buying it, and what their preferences are. This strategic thinking and critical thinking course can help Market Researchers develop the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their understanding of economics, finance, and accounting to make investment recommendations. This course may help these professionals to develop new strategies to improve their recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems. This course may help these professionals to develop new strategies to improve their approach to problem-solving in the workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Marketing Managers create new strategies to improve their campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of a product. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Product Managers to develop new strategies to take into their product development and marketing work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts gather and analyze data about a company's operations to help improve efficiency and effectiveness. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Business Analysts develop the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise money by selling stocks and bonds. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Investment Bankers develop the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Project Managers develop the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks to a company and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Risk Managers develop the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. This strategic thinking and decision-making course can help Data Analysts develop the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This strategic thinking and decision-making course may be helpful for Software Engineers looking to move into a leadership or management role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code to create software systems. This strategic thinking and decision-making course may be helpful for Computer Programmers looking to move into a leadership or management role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. This strategic thinking and decision-making course may be helpful for Web Developers looking to move into a leadership or management role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in On Strategy : What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy - PART 1.

Stop Reading the News

Save

Provides a practical guide to thinking more clearly and rationally. It covers a variety of topics, including cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and decision-making.

On Strategy

What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy - PART 1

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Strategy through philosophical lenses part 1

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses