Your mind is a software program. Here’s how to update it, explained by global political expert Ian Bremmer. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQECJukTDE2i6aCoMnS-Vg?sub_confirmation=1 Get the full Big Think+ class from Ian Bremmer ► bigthink.com/plus/request-a-demo/ Political scientist Ian Bremmer highlights the importance of strategic thinking, which he defines as "thinking about thinking." It's a process that involves analyzing macro themes, recognizing patterns, and understanding how different factors (at the country, company, and individual level) create trade-offs for leaders. Strategic thinking isn't so much about responding to headlines or current events as it is taking a long-term view, one in which you're continually revisiting your worldview and updating it when necessary. Being open-minded and curious about different perspectives, as well as comfortable with the possibility of being wrong, are important parts of the process. As an example of a great strategic thinker, one may cite Nelson Mandela for his ability to set aside personal feelings for the good of a country's long-term future. Bremmer is the founder of Eurasia Group, an organization that for 25 years has been using political science to help investors and corporate decision-makers better understand how politics impact risks and opportunities in foreign markets. 0:00 Strategic thinking 2:35 Key qualities of a strategic thinker 5:02 A strategic role model 6:17 Summary To learn even more from the world's biggest thinkers, get Big Think+ for your business ► bigthink.com/plus/ Further reading ► criticalthinkingsecrets.com/critical-thinking-vs-strategic-thinking/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Ian Bremmer: Ian Bremmer is president and founder of Eurasia Group, the world’s leading global research and consulting firm, and GZERO Media, a company dedicated to providing intelligent and engaging coverage of international affairs. Ian is also a frequent guest on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, the BBC, Bloomberg, and many other television stations around the world. Ian has published ten books, including the New York Times bestseller Us vs. Them: The Failure of Globalism which examines the rise of populism across the world. He also serves as the foreign affairs columnist and editor at large for Time magazine. He currently teaches at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and previously was a professor at New York University. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read more of our stories from Big Think+: Transformative learning 101 ► bigthink.com/plus/transformative-learning/ Transfer of learning: The necessary step to make learning stick ► bigthink.com/plus/transfer-of-learning/ Adult learning theory: 10 key principles and best practices ► bigthink.com/plus/adult-learning-theory/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Big Think | Smarter Faster™ ► Big Think The leading source of expert-driven, educational content. With thousands of videos, featuring experts ranging from Bill Clinton to Bill Nye, Big Think helps you get smarter, faster by exploring the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century. ► Big Think+ Make your business smarter, faster: bigthink.com/plus/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want more Big Think? ► Daily editorial features: bigthink.com/popular/ ► Get the best of Big Think right to your inbox: bigthink.com/st/newsletter ► Facebook: bigth.ink/facebook ► Instagram: bigth.ink/Instagram ► Twitter: bigth.ink/twitter

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