How Writing Enhances Strategic Thinking
2 min readJul 15, 2023

Design better strategies and think better thoughts by writing. Here’s why and how:
- Get Clear By Writing. Jumbled thoughts? Writing forces us to spell them out, uncovering gaps in understanding. It mirror strategic thinking — the clearer your thoughts, the better your strategy.
- Innovate Through Writing. German sociologist Niklas Luhmann said, “One cannot think without writing.” Writing allows us to marinate ideas, bringing out new flavors of innovation. It’s a secret sauce for cooking up great strategies.
- Revise and Refine. Writing isn’t a one-shot deal. Neither is strategic thinking. Just like a writer iterates on a draft, a strategist refines their plans. As computer scientist Leslie Lamport puts it, “If you’re thinking without writing, you only think you’re thinking.”
So how can you turn writing into a strategic tool? Here’s a simple plan:
- Journal Your Thoughts. Got a business challenge or idea? Write about it daily. It’s like giving your thoughts a workout. The result? Improved strategic thinking muscle.
- Take Notes. Whether in a meeting or a brainstorming session, jot down your thoughts. It helps capture ideas before they slip away, painting a clearer strategic picture.
- Write to Share. Share your ideas in writing with your team. It’s a great way to sharpen your thoughts, invite feedback, and promote clear communication.
Writing isn’t just recording — it’s a way to refine your thoughts, making you a sharper strategic thinker. Give it a go!