By Tony Hunter, food futurist
As leaders, one of the key responsibilities of Directors and Senior Executives is to practise foresight to anticipate potential technological and other challenges and opportunities for the organisation. Delegating the responsibility of technology foresight to technology experts, while they may have expertise in their specific field, can be detrimental to the overall success of the business. The danger is that these technology experts may not have the broad understanding and knowledge of the other factors that impact a business, such as market trends, competitors, and regulatory changes.
In today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving food industry landscape, having foresight is more important than ever. It allows directors and senior executives to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions that will position their organisation for success in the future. Practising foresight allows them to make proactive decisions that align with the organisation’s goals and objectives. It also enables them to anticipate potential risks and take steps to mitigate them before they become major issues.
Foresight also allows organisations to adapt to changing circumstances and remain agile in the face of challenges. A director or senior executive who can anticipate and respond to long-term technological advancements, changes in the market, and shifts in consumer preferences is better equipped to navigate the organisation through these challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
Overall, taking responsibility for and practising foresight is a critical responsibility of directors and senior executives, as it enables them to make informed, strategic decisions that can help to drive the success and growth of their organisation. By staying up to date with new technologies, industry trends, conducting thorough market research and analysis directors and senior executives can develop their foresight skills and position their organisation for future success.
In the end, how do you know where to lead an organisation if you don’t understand the future? Remember, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any future will take you there?”
