Managing the Future

Equipping your organization for an uncertain future is a daunting task. If you're already over-stretched dealing with the pressures of today - it can seem like an impossible one. But building future planning into your everyday practices is not only vital - it's eminently doable. And who better to show us how than Stephen Millett - historian, futurist and management consultant for three decades? Managing the Future offers a straightforward and pragmatic approach to strategic planning. It takes an honest look at the limitations of forecasting, and shows (through real-life examples and a wealth of experience) how managers can best use a variety of futuring methods, including scenarios, horizon scanning and trend monitoring. Dr. Millett first outlines his Five Futuring Principles: they provide a clear theoretical framework for preparing an organization for the future. He then takes us through the practical steps involved in managing a forward-facing organization, including managing "e;futuring"e; (the external-to-internal process of scanning the environment to anticipate the trends that will affect your organization) and "e;visioning"e; (realizing the internal mission, values, aspirations and goals of an organization and its management, and then turning your organization outward to face the world).