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Making Positive Psychology Work

Can You Plan The Future? with Margaret Heffernan

Nov 26, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Margaret Heffernan, a seasoned entrepreneur and author, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of the workplace. She highlights the limitations of long-term planning, suggesting we can only foresee about 150 days ahead. Diving into the distinctions between complicated and complex systems, she emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability. Margaret advocates for an artistic mindset in leadership to foster creativity and resilience, which ultimately enhances employee well-being amid uncertainty.
35:48

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Planning for the future is more effective when it involves adaptable narratives, as long-term forecasts are often impractical beyond 150 days.
  • Recognizing the difference between complicated and complex systems allows organizations to foster resilience by empowering local teams to make real-time decisions.

Deep dives

The Limitations of Long-Term Planning

Creating long-term plans, such as five-year forecasts, is often impractical, as accurate predictions rarely extend beyond 150 to 400 days. Experts suggest these predictions are more reliable if they involve regularly updated information and a flexible approach. Instead of rigid long-term strategies, it's beneficial to focus on narrative possibilities that allow for adaptability as circumstances evolve. Acknowledging that plans can quickly become obsolete helps foster a more creative and responsive mindset in organizations.

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