Preparing For Challenges

Do you actively explore the future...

Be aware of areas in which proposed innovations could help make your organization both more vulnerable and more resistant to outside changes. The following checklist is a guide line in preparation for challenges:

• Does the organization's management create "stretch goals" that provide the direction but not the route for innovation?
• Do you actively explore the future, making use of tools and techniques like scenarios and foresight?
• Do you have the capacity to challenge your current position--do you think abut how your business could be adversely affected?
• Do you have strategic decision-making and project selection mechanisms to deal with radical proposals?
• Do you have, and make, connections across your industry to provide your organization with fresh perspectives?
• Do you have alerting mechanisms to warn you about new trends?

ACTION POINT: Identify which of the above you should begin doing.