How can you plan the future when you are struggling to meet the needs of today?
Leadership is the future. What are you doing today to prepare? I recently interviewed the Dean of one of the world`s best business schools. I asked him, `` What makes a great leader?`` The first words that came out of his mouth was, `` A clear vision of the future.``
Professor Vivay Govindarajan of Michigan University, talks about Box 1, Box 2 and Box 3 Thinking. Box 1 Thinking is Manage the Present and it is unfortunately what most companies think is strategy. Box 2 Thinking is Selectively Forget the Past. Box 3 Thinking is Create the Future.
To effectively and strategically plan your business and career strategy, you should start with Box 3. Visualize and conceptualize your vision for the future and begin to create what it will look like.
Putting It Into Action:
Many of us are stuck in BOX 1 because we are somewhat successful and are often obsessed with making marginal improvements. We think that our success is a validation of our past actions and strategy.
Chances are you are somewhat unsatisfied in your career or business because you have settled on marginal success. Global events like the rise of China and India will re-write the business fundamentals. You must plan out a forward looking vision of the future in a space that is not currently or in the near future being met by cheaper sources of labour (Box 2 Thinking). You must develop a date specific action plan to achieve future success. It may help to meet regularly with a group of forward looking visionaries who are looking forward to rewriting the rules in their favour.
With you along the path towards success,
Joseph