Staying on top means being nimble

Posted: September 12, 2013 | Categories: Leadership

“Adaptability is probably the most distinctive characteristic in life”  – Dr. Hans Seyle

One question I like to ask in my seminars is, “What can we say about change?”  The almost universal answer is, “It is constant”

I remember when a fax machine was the most exciting talk of the day.  Most of us recall the ritual of our weekly Friday night visit to the video store to select a movie.  And before VCR’s, many of us remember how we clamored for the TV guide in the Sunday paper so that we could see what movies were coming up.  The speed of change is mind boggling. We either get better or get beat.

I was talking to a client of mine today about his goals for the next ten years.  Once of his commitments was to embrace a new technology in his industry that was emerging.  His goal is to be the best at it.  He also admitted that he would prefer everything stayed the same.  Change is going to happen regardless of our wishes.  We can embrace it or find ourselves in a battle we can’t win.

Think about your product or service:  What is your market going to look like five years from now?  What are the trends?  What are the Megatrends?  Look for them.  Brainstorm with your team.  Make a plan to stay on top.

In 1982, John Naisbitt wrote the blockbuster book, “Megatrends”.  His key point was that we could predict the future if we looked at the headlines.  It works.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was interviewed by BusinessWeek earlier this year.  One question they asked him was, “Why doesn’t Apple make a TV?”  His reaction could be summed up in the response, “Funny you should mention that”.  Then it hit me.  Holy cow.  A big change is about to come.  Watch out Comcast!

Thirty years ago, I followed John Naisbitt’s advice and started paying attention to headlines.  As a result, I came up with this list:

1.  Change will accelerate 3 to 1
2. Population will continue to grow
3. A glut of information will be available
4. The nature of jobs will change
5. The average worker will be better educated and informed
6. Increase in wages and productivity will continue
7. Maslow’s hierarchy will be revised (More fulfillment in work)
8. Government control will increase
9. Internationalism will increase
10. Communication will become instantaneous
11. A greater emphasiwis ll be put on the meaning of life
12. Need to experience will dominate the recreation industry

Those were my predictions in 1983.  These have helped me seize opportunity and make adjustments to keep my edge.  What do you see when you look at what is coming?  What are you doing about it?