Preparing for an Uncertain Future

Today, we live in a world where three technological tsunami’s are hitting us at the same time. The first is the smart phone wave with five billion people around the world already using mobile phones. The second is the social networking wave where nearly one billion people are in Facebook’s network. And the last is the cloud computing wave, the subtle but significant shift in capability. As all three waves crash upon the shores of current business practices, we as leaders must be better prepared and more strategic in our planning. To help us all begin this process, I encourage you to read “CEOs Tackle Technology” by Jennifer Pellet from the January/February 2012 issue of Chief Executive magazine. Here is the link: http://chiefexecutive.net/ceos-tackle-technology

Next, I encourage you to read the following short blog post by Bill Taylor, cofounder of Fast Company magazine, called “Are Your Learning as Fast as the World Is Changing?” from the Harvard Business Review web site. His comments on vision, innovation and networking are superb. Here is the link: http://blogs.hbr.org/taylor/2012/01/are_you_learning_as_fast_as_th.html

Then, I recommend you watch the 30 second video of John Kotter answering the question, “How do you inspire a team that has failed?” His answer is very practical and helpful for those who are struggling. Here is the link: http://www.30secondmba.com/question/motivating-forces?video_id=f2a15e1e4708f

Finally, for all of us who are planning ahead, I encourage every one to remember that Patrick Lencioni’s new book The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business will be out on March 20, 2012. It would not surprise me if a variety of people will have read it before the Spring 2012 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable in Des Moines on April 12 - 13. Here is the link for this new book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-advantage-patrick-m-lencioni/1104677299?ean=9780470941522&itm=8&usri=patrick+lencioni

Here, too, is the link to the registration form for the Spring Roundtable: http://www.chartyourpath.com/pdf/2012-From-Vision-To-Action-Exec-Roundtable-Regist.pdf

Happy reading as you wrap up the first month of 2012! I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the Spring Roundtable.

Geery Howe, M.A.Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer inLeadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational ChangeMorning Star Associates319 - 643 - 2257