Tactical thinking is the ability to establish and execute concrete actions to achieve a short-term goal. It is a type of operational reasoning, meaning it is linked to action and facilitates decision-making. Tactical thinking allows us to resolve situations using the resources available in the context in which they arise. For example:go to work by bike if there is a delay in the train you usually take.
Tactics are linked to strategic thinking , which focuses on general or long-term objectives. Strategy involves designing a prior plan (theory), while tactics is managing the situation (practice), making decisions that may or may not fit with the prior plan. For example:In a football match, the team defines a pre-planned strategy according to its own characteristics and those of the opposing team, but also has game tactics that it uses depending on how the match develops.
Tactical thinking is necessary to assess situations and design short-term plans or rapid responses and adaptations.
- See also: Creative thinking
Characteristics of tactical thinking
The main characteristics of tactical thinking are:
- It focuses on problem-solving. It involves identifying the actions necessary to achieve specific and immediate goals .
- It involves a rapid analysis of the situation. This analysis allows you to identify relevant information and anticipate possible scenarios, enabling you to make effective and informed decisions.
- It requires creativity and flexibility. Since it’s “in-action” thinking, it involves making adjustments to fit the available data.
- It is used in a variety of contexts. It is useful in circumstances where rapid action is required, such as in sports, military, educational, recreational, and business contexts.
- It is beneficial at the group level. A team or group can increase the effectiveness of its performance by establishing coordinated actions and assigning specific roles.
- It may be useful for you: Teamwork
Examples of tactical thinking
- A basketball player senses a gap in the opposing defense and seizes the opportunity to shoot from a distance, even though the team’s established plan was to play up close.
- In a football match, the coach decides to change the team’s formation at the last minute to surprise the opposing team.
- In a game of chess, a player sacrifices an important piece in exchange for obtaining a much more advantageous position on the board and getting closer to checkmate.
- In the midst of a political debate, a candidate intentionally shifts the focus of the discussion to delve into areas that are more convenient for him.
- To try to close a sale, the salesperson adapts his presentation based on the customer’s reactions and behavior.
- In a tennis match, a player tries to hit the ball very close to the net to force her opponent to come forward. The latter senses her intentions and adapts her tactics to prevent this, sending the ball to the back of the court.
- During an exam, a student begins by answering the questions that are easy for them to secure those points and have more time available for the difficult questions.
- Faced with the possibility of rain, an event planner decides to move the party he had planned outdoors.
- A teacher begins her class as planned, but students’ questions make her realize they need to review the previous topic, so she decides to modify the content prepared for today.
- A cook substitutes an ingredient in a recipe he’s preparing with a similar one when he discovers he forgot to include it on his shopping list.
