Strategically Shaping the Future

Over the past year, the pandemic required that nearly every aspect of life be put on hold, but the time has come for forward thinking leaders to resume looking to the future. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications, Stephanie Barton and the Futurist and founder of The Foresight Academy, Jared Nichols delve into what it takes to take control of your future and guide your team in a world that most recently has felt very out of control.

Jared shares insights into the key skills of leaders who are proactively shaping the future, how they effectively strategize with their teams to turn possibilities into victories, and the steps that leaders take to create the future that they want.

Today's Insights Include:

Skills of leaders who shape the future

• Leaders consider the implications of their choices on the future of society.
• Learning from the past is easier because of context while learning from the future requires considering the impact of the decisions we make on the outcomes we want.
• Leaders need to develop the skill of self-awareness.
• Diversity of thought is essential when making decisions about the future.
• Embracing life-long learning by recognizing that you don't have all of the answers.
• Humility and curiosity are essential skills of a progressive leader.
• Effective leaders are able to listen and learn beyond their own echo chamber.

Strategizing for the future

• Leaders take proactive steps toward the future, not reactive steps.
• Getting 'unstuck' starts with defining what you are stuck in right now.
• Reflect on recent milestones and celebrate each victory.
• Identify the steps you took before the shutdown that contributed to your success, and consider implementing them again.
• Excitement about the future creates creativity and draws you toward the future.

Bringing company culture back to center stage

• Companies in a post-pandemic world need to focus on the grace of individual experiences.
• Companies need to create a safe place for employees to share their experiences without fear of losing their jobs.
• Invite your team to share their ideas for turning vision into reality. 
• Give your team permission to slow down at times to improve overall performance.

Taking the lead in your future

• Ask yourself  "whose future are you creating?".
• Recognizing and acting on opportunities will create a greater likelihood that you will actually accomplish your vision.
• Define what it means to you to be successful and make conscious decisions about achieving your success.
• Consider your future as an adventure, and have fun with the exploratory process.

This podcast is powered by FCCS.

The Futurist

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