It’s time to stop making decisions based on the past.

In today’s increasingly complex and uncertain times, how can leaders make future-oriented decisions with confidence? 

Over the summer of 2022, we spoke to over 30 public and nonprofit sector leaders about their biggest present-day challenges and their aspirations for the future. Throughout our research (which we did in partnership with the Leadership Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University and will be available soon!), we were struck by the tension leaders feel from being pulled between the past and future. 

This challenge became increasingly clear when it came to decision-making which for many, was done based on what worked in the past, based on what past literature recommended, and based on past experience. For many seasoned leaders, this is the tried and true approach, and how they’ve always led. However, how do we make decisions when there’s no precedent? When we’re dealing with issues that have never been addressed before? Do we wait and see what our peers do? Do we take a risk and try something new? How do we start making decisions based on the future, instead of the past? 

The future is becoming increasingly complex, uncertain and volatile, making this a challenging feat. To be able to successfully lead in this current moment requires an ability to make sense of this complexity and understand where things are headed in the future. It requires understanding possible future scenarios and their implications. Essentially it requires that we all become futurists. In fact, a recent study of CEOs found that becoming a futurist is one of the most critical leadership skills for 2030 (Forbes).

Some leaders are born futurists, always anticipating what’s on the next horizon. For others, however, we could use a little help developing this skill. With this in mind, we recently launched an executive training program to help leaders develop this important competency. Unlike many futurists' thinking courses, ours is tailored to focus on your sector, so you’ll walk away not only with new skills, but a clear understanding of the possible scenarios your organization needs to prepare for, and where to focus your time.