Thinking strategically is paradoxical by nature.
To be able to think about something strategically we need to think through
both the simple and the complex elements. This is the best way to look into
the future.
But strategy is more than just thinking about the future. We also need to
communicate and act (walk out the door) to move us towards our desired future.
Enter paradox. The future, as we know is complex. There is much uncertainty
and many things to consider. We cannot ignore the complexity. Rather we need
to distill it down to something simple that we and others can understand while
not missing key elements.
A good strategist tells a simple story which is abstracted from the complexity
that lies beneath.
Like the diagram which paradoxically shows ascending and descending, good
strategy shows both the simple and complex.
Image source: http://bit.ly/ZmFeaE