Stay a step ahead of change

There’s nothing so certain as change, and nothing more dizzying than being caught off-guard by it. You may be focused on powerful, purposeful work — but if your team has tunnel vision, all that time and effort might be undermined.

Take a proactive approach to trends and negative forces. At least twice a year, gather the troops to talk about what’s going on in the wider context. Try asking this question as a team:

What trends are having the most impact on our customers/clients, and how will they change what people expect of us in the future?

Consider trends already visible in your own industry, and also larger economic, technology, and societal trends that are shaping other industries and sectors. While you can’t always predict the future, taking the time to read the forces can at least help you prepare for it.

Let us know what your favorite questions are by leaving a comment below, or by emailing us. And bookmark this page to see our list of questions grow.

Last week’s question: When conflict is slowing the team down