Promoting Strategic Thinking in American Indian Leaders

Native leaders are challenged with rebuilding, reuniting, and revitalizing their disseminated nations. The Native chief executive faces the tasks of asserting political sovereignty, protecting cultural rights, and improving the dire socioeconomic conditions on American Indian reservations. Strategic thinking is essential to addressing these challenges. The Constraints Model proposed by Irving Janis has been expanded to include American Indian perspectives regarding errors leaders make in policymaking and crisis management. Characteristics and educational needs of Native leaders crucial for strategic thinking are discussed. Recommendations include encouraging Native leaders to participate in executive education programs and to incorporate tools such as the Strategic Analysis protocol in their nation building efforts