Fit For the Future

Foresight First


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When you’re facing an uncertain future, it helps to know what’s around the corner and over the horizon. That’s the skill of foresight, where you spot the trends, signals, and shifts that could reshape your world. Before asking “Is this an opportunity or a threat?”, first figure out what’s actually changing - and then evalute that to make strategic choices.


https://swiy.co/go-foresight-first


When you see change coming, do you view it as an opportunity, a threat – or maybe a bit of both?


I’ll be speaking soon at a conference for an association whose members are cultural organisations – think museums and art galleries – and we’ll consider what lies ahead in that sector. One significant shift is the growth of tech that lets people immersive themselves in experiencex without visiting these places.


Take virtual reality (VR), for example. You can strap on a headset and (virtually) visit the Louvre, walk with dinosaurs, explore outer space, or fight alongside Anzacs. All without leaving the comfort of your home, school, or local library.


How can a museum or art gallery compete with those experiences?


Well, of course VR can’t fully replicate the physical experience. Being there in person is richer, more immersive, and more visceral. But for many people, especially those limited by geography or budget, the virtual experience is “good enough” – and sometimes, even more informative. With VR, you can access deep context, background stories, and interactive insights that may not be available on-site.


So is VR a threat or an opportunity for these organisations?


The answer, of course, is that it could be either – or both. It seems like a threat, but there’s also the opportunity to integrate digital and physical experiences. For example, a museum website might have a VR "teaser" that’s more effective than words or pictures. And then add a VR option when visitors arrive. And perhaps an online follow-up after they leave.


But before you can assess whether something like VR is an opportunity or a threat, you first need to notice it!


If you didn’t even think about VR as a possible external influence, you can’t make these sort of decisions.


That’s a critical step leaders often overlook.


It’s easy to react to what’s already obvious. But go further to scan the horizon and look for other signals that aren’t as obvious.


This is the skill of foresight, and it’s an important first step in being future-ready.


Whether you’re doing formal strategic planning session or just looking informally at what’s next, take some time to understand what’s changing in – and outside – your world.


That’s why leadership teams bring me in before they begin strategic planning – not to build the plan itself, but to help them understand what’s coming. When they know the most important external pressures and influences, they can then incorporate them into their plan and make smarter decisions about priorities and actions.


If you want to know more about developing this skill of foresight, join my coming free public online presentation. I’ll share some of the tools I and other futurists use to help you see what’s coming and prepare for it.


Oh, and of course, if you’d like me to work with your leadership team, let’s chat!


Register for the virtual masterclass:


https://swiy.co/go-foresight-first

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Fit For the FutureBy Gihan Perera


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