"No matter what you think you might know, we will always be one step, three steps, seven steps ahead of you. And just when you think you're catching up, we'll be right behind you. And at no time will you be anywhere other than exactly where I want you to be. So come close to me, because the closer you think you are, the less you'll actually see." - Now You See Me (film)
Wouldn't it be great if, like in this movie, we could be a few steps ahead? What if we could foresee what's coming next?
As we've all experienced, predicting a few moves ahead is challenging. We recall John Lennon's words:
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Small actions or stimuli can have disproportionately large effects and responses. Changes in one area can create a web of consequences and domino effects on others.
In business, nobody truly knows the future. Even with the best quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, unknown variables and unexpected events can always impact outcomes. Additionally, many people fear making the wrong decision, limiting their ability to plan effectively and strategically.
Does this mean only seers and clairvoyants glimpse the future?
Why is it so difficult for the rest of us?
It's difficult but not impossible. We can overcome these challenges and develop our foresight, precognition, or premonition. Foresight seems like a fantastic power.
The word "foresight" has two parts: "fore," meaning "before," and "sight," meaning "to perceive." Foresight involves planning for things before they happen.
Garry Kasparov, one of the greatest chess players of all time, is known for his ability to see up to 15-20 moves ahead in a game.
Similarly, Serena Williams is renowned for her strategic ability to anticipate her opponent's shots, positioning herself in advance to execute powerful returns.
Steve Jobs was known for anticipating consumer needs before they were apparent to everyone else.
Sara Blakely revolutionized the shapewear industry with innovative designs.
Jeff Bezos and Jack Ma are known for their long-term thinking and investment in innovative ideas.
These are just a few examples of individuals who have demonstrated the ability to see many moves ahead.
If we could see a few steps ahead and envision the ramifications of our decisions, we would plan and act differently.
Here is the good news: Through specific practice, we can boost our foresight and ability to anticipate future events.
In short, we can become visionaries (no crystal ball required!).
Try this now:
Map out 3 to 5 moves ahead for the decisions you need to make.
If I choose to do this, the following positive and negative consequences will emerge.
How many moves ahead are you able to see?
This uncomplicated task has the potential to reshape your perspective because sometimes you can't unscramble eggs.
As for me, like Jimmy Cliff, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone."
This is perhaps worth a discussion with your team.
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