On Strategy : What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy

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.

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.

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.

How do we Think ?

In the first lecture, we’ve seen that if we want to change the world, we have to act. And if we want to change our perception of the world, we have to think. So now… it is time to think about the way we think !

On the Shoulders of Giants

For this third lecture, I invite you on a journey in the world of past ideas. Six guides will show us how they shaped this incredible world where everything is connected.

Mental Models and Perception

After a short recap, we will agree on four key definitions necessary to understand the rules of thinking. Thanks to a lot of examples, optical illusions and brain treasers, we will see how we build and how we use mental models.

Eureka or Caramba ?

Heraclites is definitely right, status quo is not an option, change is a must. The only alternative is either to lead the process, or to be a victim of the process. We will also understand why paradoxically creativity and rigor are good friends…

Thinking in New Boxes

As I told you from the very first minute, philosophers don't claim to be right, they hope to be helpful. This sixth and last lecture is dedicated to you, strategists. We will see how to build the five "new boxes" we need to achieve the next big thing.

The Essence of Change

Is technology making us stupid?

Become a corporate philosopher!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Philosophy for managers part 1: mind-opening concepts

Learners say this course opens minds in part by broadening viewpoints on thinking and simplifying business goals. Students say it is engaging and well-written, with topics woven into life experiences. Reviewers emphasize that this course is not just for managers but can benefit many others as well. Many learners praise Professor Luc de Brabandere's work, and some hope to see a part two.

Valuable for managers and non-managers alike.

"Interesting and useful knowledge. Not just for managers, but everyone with an interested in perspectives explained in terms of thinkers, philosophers, writers, poets and scientists."

Excellent instructor and course creator.

"Luc de Brabandere has done an excellent job writing this course."

"I love how he has woven philosophy into the thought process of management, leadership, and life in general."

Expands thinking and opens minds.

"Although the title easily catches the eye, its goal and contents are much broader than you'd guess."

"It was really mind opening, since I've been long focusing on the rational way of thinking and it helped me to tap into other ways of dealing with life/world/you name it."

"How to rething my way of simplifying my business goals?"

Typographical error on course page.

"Great Mooc! But there is a typo on this page, it is not from Ecole Normale Superieure, but from Ecole Centrale Paris!"

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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