

FIF Series EP 26 - Positive Sum Outcomes
Positive-sum thinking elevates futures thinking from theory into transformative practice by seeking outcomes where everyone involved gains value, contrary to zero-sum thinking where one party's gain means another's loss. This mindset is essential for creating better futures, especially in the age of intelligence where collaboration, information sharing, and innovation networks thrive on decentralized knowledge.
• Historically, zero-sum thinking dominated economics, politics, and relationships, limiting our ability to create better futures
• The age of intelligence thrives on collaboration and decentralized knowledge, creating fertile ground for positive-sum interactions
• Positive-sum thinking is essential for navigating complex future landscapes shaped by structural transformations or "super shifts"
• Practical implementation includes reframing narratives, fostering collaborative networks, and engaging in strategic experimentation
• Patagonia exemplifies positive-sum thinking by collaborating with competitors on sustainability standards, benefiting all stakeholders
• This approach applies equally to personal lives, strengthening relationships and enhancing cooperation
• Common roadblocks include mental scarcity, lack of trust, and institutional barriers that reinforce competition
Join us next episode as we dive deeper into how these concepts manifest practically within organizations using the broader transform model. Share your experiences with positive-sum thinking via our website or social channels!
ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts
🎧 Listen Now On:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-forward-conversations-with-futurists-innovators-and-big-thinkers/id1736144515
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IOn8PZCMMC04uixlATqoO
Web: https://thinkforward.buzzsprout.com/
Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.