Do you ever feel like you're always playing catch-up? Like the world is changing so fast that you can't keep up?
If so, you're not alone. In today's rapidly changing world, it can be difficult to see the future. But it doesn't have to be.
The news sources you consume daily can actually help you see the future unfold. By paying attention to specific signals, you can get a glimpse of what's to come.
Of course, it's not always easy to catch these signals. But with a little practice, you'll be able to spot the early signs of change. And that will give you the edge you need to make better decisions for your organization.
In this article, I'll show you how to see the future unfold in the news sources you consume daily. I'll share some tips on what to look for and how to interpret the information you find.
So if you're ready to start seeing the future, take a look at the following slides:
Slideshare Slides to Help You See
Overview of the Slides
The slides start of with three common questions about how to find the right foresight information:
- How can I recognize foresight information in the abundance of information that hits us daily?
- What are good sources of foresight information?
- How do you make sense of foresight information?
The next slides explain the best ways to solve these questions. The tips come from my 15+ years experience as a futurist practitioner, so they work.
The Assumption Flipper
If you've time for only one tip, then do the Assumption Flipper'. This exercise is designed to help you identify your blind spots and assumptions about the future and is a crucial step to become more sensitive to disruptive weak signals.
To do the assumption flipper exercise, simply take a few minutes to think about your current assumptions about the future. Then, flip those assumptions on their head and see what you come up with. The worksheet is in the slides, and you can also download it (with instructions) here.
For example, if you assume that technology will continue to advance at its current pace, try assuming that technology will plateau or even regress.
If you're looking to get a better understanding of the future, I encourage you to give it a try.
Bonus Tips
If you're ready to do more, I encourage you to take the following steps:
- Start paying attention to weak signals in the news.
- Use the assumption flipper exercise to identify your blind spots and assumptions about the future.
- Talk to people who have different perspectives than you do.
- Read books and articles about the future.
- Attend conferences and workshops on the future.
By taking these steps, you'll be well on your way to seeing the future unfold!
Have Questions?
If you have questions about the slides in general or the assumption flipper, go ahead and ask me in the comments.
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