Viewing vision as a fixed, certain point on a five to ten year horizon can lead to overwhelmed feelings and skepticism about its practicality. Instead, vision should be seen as an evolving concept akin to an impressionist painting rather than a static photograph. It serves as a platform for conversations among leaders, fostering a mindset oriented towards exploring possibilities and adapting plans based on ongoing learning. In times of crisis, it's essential to revisit and rethink the vision regularly, using insights gained from market initiatives to adjust and refine the vision continually.
Some managers develop strategy by focusing on problems in the present, and that’s especially true during a crisis.
But Mark Johnson, co-founder of the innovation consulting firm Innosight, argues that leaders should imagine the future and then work backward to build their organization for that new reality.
In this episode, he outlines the practical steps managers can take to look beyond the typical short-term planning horizon and help their teams grasp future opportunities. Johnson also shares real-world examples from Apple, Johnson & Johnson, and Intel to illustrate what can happen when leaders shift their strategic mindset to focus on the future.
Key episode topics include: strategy, innovation, decision making and problem solving, growth strategy, crisis leadership, managing teams.
HBR On Strategy curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock new ways of doing business. New episodes every week.
· Listen to the original HBR IdeaCast episode: To Build Strategy, Start with the Future (2020)
· Find more episodes of HBR IdeaCast
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