Think: It goes without saying that the world is a risky place. Still, few leaders spend much time thinking about these risks. This report on the biggest global risks in 2023 is a good place to start. Be forewarned, however, since the report was issued, we have already witnessed how a horrific earthquake in Turkey and Syria could lead to geopolitical destabilization and how a seemingly innocuous high-altitude balloon may lead to a new Cold War between the United States and China.
Think Again: Speaking of risks, another risk not highlighted in the above article is how the continued mega-drought in the western part of the U.S. may cause severe problems to the electrical grid. This is because within the next two or three years the largest hydroelectric providers in the West may not be able to produce any energy because the Colorado River and its associated reservoirs–Lake Mead and Lake Powell–may soon be so low.
Think Smart: Approximately 75 percent of organizations are not prepared for the future and 40 percent of all CEO’s do not think their companies will be economically viable in a decade from now if they continue on their current path. From my perspective as a futurist, these two statistics highlight why foresight must be a key strategic capability. This article, The Future Isn’t What It Used to Be, is a solid primer on the importance of futures thinking, exponential thinking and systems thinking.
Think Again: I know I keep harping about the advances in artificial intelligence and this article on its implications for Hollywood and its aging stars is just the latest example. Nevertheless, there remains a great deal of hype surrounding AI and this article, Don’t Be Sucked In By AI’s Heading-Spinning Hype, offers a balanced counter perspective.
Think Different: This article has me thinking, and I think it may have the same effect on you: The Age of the Grandparent Has Arrived.($)
Afterthought: “Short-term thinking lies at the root of most of society’s long-term problems.“–Jack Uldrich
