Why Every Organization Needs a Futurist in Residence
In this article, I explore the essential role of a Futurist in Residence for modern organizations. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, discover how futurists provide clarity, drive innovation, and shape preferable futures, ensuring companies remain adaptable and forward-thinking in their strategies.
In our rapidly evolving world, cultivating Futures Literacy and adapting to uncertainty has moved beyond being a competitive edge; it's now a prerequisite for lasting success.
Deciphering the Meaning of the Future
One might wonder, with an unpredictable future, why not simply focus on the present? But, to make well-informed decisions today, we need to anticipate the possible consequences of our actions. While history classes in school have taught us to decipher the past, we are rarely prepared to envision the future or grasp its basic principles.
Demystifying the Role of a Futurist
Contrary to the notion that futurists simply predict the unseen, we are more like navigators—exploring, speculating, and synthesizing the present data to anticipate potential futures and discern their implications. We balance the push from present realities with the pull towards desired futures. In essence, we not only adjust to the unfolding of time but imagine a space we would like to create. But, the journey to the future we desire is not always linear. If organizations do not actively shape their path, they risk becoming passive observers, mere NCPs - Non-Character Players, reacting to others' agendas.
A Deeper Dive into the Futurist’s Craft
As Vice-Chair of the Association of Professional Futurists, I am often asked, "What exactly does a Futurist do?" Here's the multi-layered answer:
Inquisitiveness over Predictability: We don't make predictions, we stimulate thought, explore the many aspects of the future and show a spectrum of possible outcomes.
Bridging Today and Tomorrow: We use the insights of experts from the present and extrapolate them to imagine diverse futures - some possible, some far-fetched on the fringe.
Crafting Future Narratives: Throughout history, stories have shaped us. Yet, today's narratives often lack positivity. Futurists paint hopeful images of the future, next to the ones we want to avoid.
Charting the course: We not only stimulate discussion but also integrate cross-sectoral perspectives to sketch myriad futurescapes. The focus is on the future we want to shape.
Champions for a better future: Futurists are not just speculators; we are motivated and want to inspire to create a better world. By tackling long-term challenges, organizations can maintain their future relevance and take responsibility for the future yet to come.
Navigating the Business Landscape
The business environment has transformed - from traditional operations to digital shifts to an era of unprecedented volatility. Shorter innovation cycles and unforeseeable events like the pandemic highlight our over-reliance on present trends while crucial innovations in areas like medicine and technology may yet be unborn. The solution? Crafting narratives of the futures we desire, strategizing based on these visions and reverse-engineering the means to achieve them.
The Value of Having a Futurist in Residence
So why invite a Futurist into your organization? Equipped with a unique perspective, Futurists can offset organizational myopia and promote awareness of broader industry shifts. Amidst the hustle of daily operations, a Futurist in Residence offers the strategic foresight required, empowering teams to collectively weave a narrative for a brighter future. Why not hire one full-time? Futurists thrive best when they are not tied to a single organization. To avoid business myopia, it is vital to maintain an external perspective, ensuring fresh insights and a broad view across industries.
Conclusion: Shape, Don’t Try to Predict the Future
Trying to predict and prepare for the future is passive. We must actively shape the future we desire. While no future will unfold precisely as imagined, understanding potential trajectories allows adaptability, ensuring we remain proactive, even if our dance with the future requires a few unexpected steps
If you are interested in continuing the conversation about why your organization needs a Futurist in Residence, please get in touch.
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