1) Between a stimulus from external systems and our response to it from within ourselves as a system, we have the freedom and power to choose our response based upon our guiding stars. If we respond reactively, reflexively driven by external stimuli, then our circle of influence tends to decrease. If we respond proactively, driven by our commitment to navigate our journey by our guiding stars, then our circle of influence tends to increase.

True or False?

A strategy is really just an overall approach for making a way forward into the future, of surviving, and ideally, of thriving. The focus is upon the future. In academic studies, we look at a lot of facts related to an organization's past, its industry situation today, current trends in society and in the relevant market. But in the real world of practical application, the only thing really needed is a fierce focus upon the future.

True or False?

Strategic thinking for one's individual journey requires us to work from the inside-out, to focus upon our strengths, and to disregard the influence of our external environment. By contrast, strategic thinking for an organization's journey requires the executives to work from the outside-in, to focus upon using best practices comparisons to shore up weaknesses, and to regard knowledgeably the influence of the external environment, using especially Porter's five forces analysis.

True or False?