Strategic Versus Tactical Thinking
#WESTstrategic

The terms strategy and tactics are often confused: tactics are the means used to accomplish an objective, while strategy is the overall plan within a broader context. As technical experts, we are often trained and rewarded for getting things done – highly focused on the tactical aspects without having a clear understanding of the overall strategy. Strategic thinking involves long term planning, determining priorities, and identifying potential risks and opportunities. In addition, strategic thinking becomes increasingly important in the higher levels of an organization.

During this workshop you will learn how to increase the value you bring to an organization by focusing your efforts on long-term impact activities, in addition to short-range implementation. This interactive workshop will also enable participants to learn the theory and fundamentals of strategic thinking, and gain tools and practice to implement these skills in your current position.

Participants will leave the workshop with:

Improved leadership skills
Deeper understanding of strategy in industry
Techniques for strategic planning
Skills for better decision making and problem solving

This workshop will be lead by Gwen Acton. Gwen Acton, PhD is an expert on strategic leadership at the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, of Vivo Group, a firm that improves the leadership skills of technical experts so they can be more productive and innovative in industry. Prior to this, she served as Director of Scientific Development at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, where she ran the operations of the Functional Genomics Program, a $40 million, 50-person academic-industry collaborative research program. Dr. Acton has a doctorate in biology from M.I.T., and served as a faculty member at Harvard University in the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is the author of the book "The Bluffer’s Guide to Genetics," a humorous guide to DNA published by Oval Books, and the former president of Women Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (WEST). Dr. Acton is a popular speaker, workshop presenter, and facilitator.

Date and Time:
June 20, 2013
6:00 - 9:00 PM

Location:

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Monadnock Room
7 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142

Map and Parking Info

We appreciate The Broad Institute donating the use of their event space.