1.5 Execution Lab: Strategic Thinking Sample

Step 1: Define the Decision (5 min)

Choose one real decision you must act on in the next 30 days.

Write it clearly:

“This decision is about ______.”

Now define the mission behind it:

“In 12 months, success looks like ______.”

If you can’t articulate the 12-month view, you’re not thinking strategically yet.

Step 2: Think in Time Horizons (5 min)

For your decision, answer:

• What does this look like in one week?

• One month?

• One year?

Where do short-term wins create long-term tradeoffs?

Where do short-term sacrifices create long-term leverage?

Step 3: Second-Order Mapping (8 min)

List three real options:

1. Conservative

2. Aggressive

3. Creative

For each option, write:

• First-order outcome

• Second-order consequence

• What this commits you to next

• Long-term advantage gained or lost

If you stop at first-order thinking, you’re reacting.

Step 4: Pressure-Test Assumptions (6 min)

Now challenge your preferred option.

Write:

• The three biggest assumptions behind this decision

• What evidence would prove me wrong?

• What opposing view would critique this choice?

Use AI as a scenario mapper if helpful—but edit and refine.

You own the judgment.

Step 5: Choose and Commit (6 min)

Write:

• The option I’m choosing is ______

• The strategic reason (long-game logic) is ______

• One action I will take within 72 hours is ______

• One metric that signals I’m on track is ______

No 72-hour move = no strategic momentum.