Change is happening.
How do leaders deal with change that is happening faster and faster?
Forward thinking leaders need to develop the ability to scan for signals, issues and trends that are developing now and create a view on how they might play across a range of futures. We also need to be able to anticipate change and get ready for what might happen next. In some cases, we need to be able to create change ourselves and help build the futures we want to see.
Here's 4 ways leaders can thrive in a constantly changing world:
Anticipate the future. Leaders need to know where they are going and what is most likely to happen next. We also need to answer questions like: How might things change over time? What current trends will impact us in 5, 10, or 20 years? Who else is working on this challenge and how could we collaborate or learn from them?
Scan for signals, issues and trends. Leaders need to be able to spot the areas of change currently happening in their industry. We need to understand why it is happening and what might happen next. Often anticipating change can be done by spotting smaller trends that when added together create a bigger movement towards something different. If leaders are too caught up in the day-to-day, they can't spot these trends.
Connect a range of insights. The world is complex and every situation is unique. Leaders need to be able to look across other industries and geographies, and understand how what is happening elsewhere might end up happening everywhere.
Make change happen rather than waiting for it. Forward thinking leaders don't sit back and wait for change to happen - they influence and drive the change they want to see. We need to help create a plan for the future and help lead organisations to deliver impact. Adapting and creating change is one of the most important parts of being a leader in a constantly changing environment.
In order to be successful in a constantly changing world, leaders need to be able to anticipate the future, scan for signals, issues and trends, and connect different insights. Additionally, we need to be able to make change happen rather than wait for it. By doing these things, we can help our organisations stay ahead of the curve and be successful across a range of futures.
