HBR On Strategy
To Set a Great Strategy, Start by Imagining the Future You Want
Sep 18, 2024
Mark Johnson, a senior partner at Innosight and co-author of "Lead from the Future," emphasizes the need for leaders to envision their desired future to craft effective strategies. He discusses how a 'future-back' approach, as seen in companies like Apple and Johnson & Johnson, can transform decision-making and innovation. Johnson highlights the importance of adapting to rapid changes in sectors like education and the power of grassroots innovation at organizations like Intel. By focusing on future possibilities, managers can lead teams towards greater adaptability and success.
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Quick takeaways
- Adopting a future-back approach allows leaders to proactively shape their organizations by envisioning opportunities instead of merely reacting to present challenges.
- Understanding the difference between vision and strategy helps facilitate organizational growth by guiding specific actions needed to achieve broader aspirations.
Deep dives
Future-Back Approach to Strategy
A future-back approach to strategy encourages leaders to envision the future and then work backward to shape their organizations for that reality. This method contrasts with the traditional present-forward approach, which focuses on responding to immediate market signals and challenges. By allocating a portion of their time—about 10 to 20%—to think about future possibilities, leaders can foster a mindset that embraces innovation and long-term vision. Such strategic thinking enables organizations to anticipate shifts and prepare for potential disruptions instead of merely reacting to current situations.
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