MindPrep 299 - THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE – TEN CONSIDERATIONS


Reader,

When you consider the mix of Trump, China, AI, the economy, the “next” pandemic, climate change, and generational shifts, the future seems to be up for grabs. And yet, we are marching into it day-by-day. Here are a few things to ponder.

1. The Future is not a blank sheet of paper. You have knowledge and experience, so start with a hypothesis (or better, hypotheses) and look for the clues that might signify you are right or wrong.

2. Look for disconfirming data. We love to be right, but we learn when we see that we’re wrong.

3. The future is not evenly distributed. Want to see the future of distributed finance? You might look to banking in Africa.

4. Your point of view about future challenges is only your point of view. Go find people who think differently than you and have a real conversation.

5. There are no data from the future. Use your “informed imagination.”

6. Surprises come at varying speeds. Some people are being surprised by the twenty+ year drought in the American west.

7. You don’t have to be a futurist, but you so must think about the future for yourself and your organization.

8. Today’s decisions are always bets on the future.

9. Today’s assumptions may decay before you get to the future.

10. You will be surprised as you move into the future. But you don’t have to be taken by surprise. You have a brain – use it.

Any comments about my ten points? What would you add?

Cheers,

Bill

Bill @ MindPrep

Four careers over 50+ years. USMC, engineering, consulting, education. Past twenty years have focused on helping leaders become and remain relevant during times of change.

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