Inside Strategic Coach: Creating a Thinking Program

Hosted by: Shannon Waller with Dan Sullivan

Key Points:

• Origin of the Thinking Program
  • Dan didn't initially set out to create a program for entrepreneurs but a thinking program.
  • Entrepreneurs were the ones who gravitated toward it.
• Influence of Outward Bound (1964)
  • Participated in a leadership program in Scotland.
  • Emphasized learning from real-life experiences without predetermined lessons.
  • Kept a journal to reflect daily learnings.
• Philosophy on Learning
  • Daily life challenges are sufficient for lifelong learning.
  • Developed various 'thinking forms' over 60 years.
  • Launched Strategic Coach in 1974.
• Entrepreneurs as Key Audience
  • Initially worked with various groups including politicians, bureaucrats, and corporate people.
  • Found that entrepreneurs continually need to learn and adapt.
  • Entrepreneurs succeed by solving problems quickly and efficiently.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Entrepreneurs get punished for not changing their minds.
  • Enjoy and need constant learning to avoid boredom.
  • Program provides tools but doesn’t dictate what should be learned.
• Timelessness of Tools
  • Tools are designed to be applicable in both ancient Rome and futuristic Star Wars scenarios.
  • Aim to create wisdom, which is timeless.
• Community and Language
  • Tools help entrepreneurs articulate and discuss their experiences.
  • Created a deep community through shared language.
  • Loneliness is a major problem for entrepreneurs; community helps mitigate this.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Reflecting daily experiences can make one more knowledgeable and wise.
  • Program helps in practical applications and making positive impacts.
  • Entrepreneurs are more like their 8-year-old selves in terms of original creativity and thinking.
• Philosophical and Practical Synergy
  • Entrepreneurs develop better productivity and efficiency over time.
  • Program aims to generate natural wisdom through everyday experiences.

Practical Outcomes

• Unique Ability: Focusing on unique abilities makes one less reactive and more creative.
• Impactful Learning: Positive impact on clients and team members through consistent learning.
• Tenfold Knowledge: Experiences with tools lead to significant knowledge and wisdom.

Products and Offers

• Impact Filter: Thinking Tool available for download at strategiccoach.com.
  • Helps in understanding project purpose, importance, and ideal outcome.
  • Sets criteria for success and prevents failures.

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