Session 10, week 11

This week talks about forecasting world trends and the methods used. However one thing we must remember is that no matter which method we use to forecast trends, we must be ready for any "wildcards" happening. This simply means that we must be prepared for the unexpected. Expectation is always good, and the one of the ways to forecast the future is to actually see what we can improve today.

Look into the future to see what you can change, and what you want to achieve. This thought of mine during the lesson was surprisingly in line with what Benjamin Franklin said. He said, "look before, otherwise you will find yourself behind." There is a necessity to look forward, if we want to improve what we already have today. Otherwise, others will define the future for you. This mentality I would say is the mentality of leaders and visionaries. Where great people who wanted to change something badly in their day, through no small effort of theirs, managed to fight the odds and achieve great change. Writing about this reminds me of a previous lesson where we discussed the traits of leadership and management.

Indeed forecasting the future is such an important factor in deciding where we humans want to propel the world economies to go, that mega corporations also have a departments just to analyse the current situations and plot plans on how to achieve their future goals in the future climate. There is indeed uncertainty for the future climate, and hence intrinsically bring uncertainty to their plans for achieving their goals. That is why, forecasting the future is such a big business. Businesses like Siemens and Nokia as we have seen in class, treat these methods of forecasting very seriously. By having already the tradition on envisioning the future, can these corporations move forward to where they are. The teams of visionary has already helped shaped these companies into the powerhouses in their industries today.

We too learnt how to envision the future. For our TWC Individual report, Prof reminded us once again how it should be done. Envision the future we want it to be. Find a problem today that is hindering us from progressing to the future we want. Then come up with solutions for change that will enable us to reach our goals for the future.

Through this lesson, I have realised more the importance of envisioning the future. Anticipate and lead the change you want for a better future. Only by taking stewardship for change, can one truly make the future his own. For anything in the future you want to achieve you have to start with the change or game plan you have devised. If you truly hope for change, do take the initiative, after all, the future is where we are going to spend the rest of your life. Do you not want a future that is truly yours?

7/10 lesson was a tad technical, however the many provoking questions that came up in class really made this lesson a pretty stimulating one for the mind.