How Does a Futurist See the Future: 4 Questions You Need to Know | Jacob Morgan

Summary

In this video, the speaker clarifies that futurists don't predict the future but prepare for it, helping to anticipate and adapt to change. They emphasize the importance of thinking like a futurist, especially for leaders, and liken it to strategic thinking in chess. Four key questions are introduced to guide decision-making and future-oriented thinking: why might something happen, what else might happen, what factors will influence outcomes, and what do you want to happen. The speaker encourages proactively shaping the future rather than passively accepting it.

Takeaways

• 🔮 A futurist doesn't predict the future but prepares for it, ensuring one is not surprised by what it may bring.
• 🚀 The pace of change is accelerating, making it crucial to anticipate future scenarios to navigate chaos effectively.
• 👑 Thinking like a futurist is akin to thinking like a chess player, considering multiple moves and responses in advance.
• 🤔 The first question for futurist thinking is 'Why might something happen?', which explores the factors that could make a scenario real.
• 🛑 The second question is 'What else might happen?', encouraging the consideration of alternative outcomes and possibilities.
• 🔄 The third question focuses on 'What factors will influence the outcome?', identifying variables that could affect the realization of scenarios.
• 🌟 The most important question is 'What do you want to happen?', reminding us that we shape our future and should actively work towards desired outcomes.
• 💡 Regularly asking these four questions can enhance decision-making, investment considerations, and priority setting in a dynamic world.
• 📚 The speaker recommends a PDF from thefutureemployee.com for insights on employee evolution and organizational adaptation.
• 💼 Thinking like a futurist is a valuable asset for leadership, aiding in making informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment.

Q & A

What is the primary misconception about futurists according to the video?

The primary misconception is that futurists predict the future, but in reality, they help ensure that one is not surprised by what the future might bring.

Why is it important to learn how to think like a futurist?

It is important because the pace of change has increased, and being able to anticipate different scenarios can help one adapt and lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.

How does the speaker compare thinking like a futurist to playing chess?

The speaker compares thinking like a futurist to playing chess because both involve considering multiple scenarios and potential responses, rather than predicting a single outcome.

What are the four questions the speaker suggests to help think like a futurist?

The four questions are: 1) Why might something happen? 2) What else might happen? 3) What are some of the factors that will influence or impact why something will or will not happen? 4) What do you want to actually happen?

What is the significance of the first question, 'Why might something happen?'

This question helps one to consider the factors and scenarios that could lead to a particular outcome, preparing for various possibilities.

How does the second question, 'What else might happen?', contribute to futurist thinking?

It encourages considering alternative scenarios and outcomes, broadening the perspective beyond a single anticipated event.

What role do external factors play according to the third question?

External factors such as government regulations, team decisions, or funding can significantly influence whether a scenario will occur.

Why is the fourth question, 'What do you want to actually happen?', considered the most important by the speaker?

It emphasizes that the future is not just something that happens to us, but something we can actively shape and create.

How can one take the fourth question further according to the video?

One should not only consider what they want to happen but also plan how to make that desired future a reality.

What resource does the speaker mention for further insights on employee evolution?

The speaker mentions a PDF available at thefutureemployee.com, which provides a breakdown of employee evolution and actionable items for organizations.