Book Review: Lead from the Future

In “Lead from the Future,” authors Mark W. Johnson and Josh Suskewicz argue that successful businesses need leaders who can develop a clear vision of the future and translate that vision into actionable strategies for long-term growth.

The book’s core concept is “future-back thinking,” which goes beyond traditional short-term planning. Here’s a breakdown of the key ideas:

• Shifting Focus: Leaders are encouraged to move away from short-term goals and challenges and instead envision the organization’s ideal state 5-10 years down the line.
• Identifying Opportunities: By understanding future trends and potential disruptions, leaders can identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Building a Vision: The book provides a framework for crafting a compelling vision statement that outlines the desired future state and inspires employees.
• Turning Vision into Action: It’s not enough to just have a vision. The book offers a step-by-step approach to translate that vision into a concrete strategic plan with clear goals and initiatives.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The book acknowledges the challenges of implementing change and provides strategies to overcome organizational inertia and resistance.
• Building a Culture of Vision: Lead from the Future emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture where visionary thinking becomes an ongoing practice, not a one-time event.

By following the “future-back” approach, Johnson and Suskewicz believe that leaders can transform their organisations into proactive and adaptable entities capable of achieving sustainable growth in a rapidly changing world.