Embracing the Future: The Futurecaster Leadership Style

In my last blog about BANI, I promised to explore a newly identified leadership style entitled "Futurecaster." This leadership style is proposed as a response to the challenges of work through a BANI (brittle, anxiety-producing, non-linear, incomprehensible) environment, in an article written by Kevin Kruse.

What Does the Future Require of You?

Let's start with this question: What does the future require of you? Don't wait until the future to ponder that question. While we are currently experiencing significant upheaval, the future is being shaped right now. We often forecast for our organizations, but how are you forecasting for your leadership and your team?

In the Forbes article, Kruse discusses the five competencies of Futurecaster leadership: strategic storytelling, agility, innovation, relational and resilience. Here are some questions for you and your team to consider:

Storytelling and Leadership

What story are you telling yourself and others about your leadership or organization? Are you willing to hear different versions of that story from others on your team? What factors will change that story over the next year or five years?

Preparing for Change

When you think about the things that could change your team's story over the next year, how prepared is your team to pivot should one of the 'incomprehensibles' of BANI occur? What are the most critical threats you envision to your organization and your leadership?

Innovation and Strengths

If you take the courage to look at those critical threats, does your team have the freedom to think outside their current boxes and identify paths of innovation? What missing strengths will be most vital to overcoming the gaps in what the future needs from you or your team?

Understanding Team Strengths

Do you even know the strengths on your team? Consider the shift for Futurecaster leaders from the distanced, dictatorial leader to the one who is relational. How can you, with intention, cultivate a culture of assessment (knowing what), assignment (knowing who), and acknowledgment (celebrating when)?

Building Resilience

Finally, what systems are in place to help you honor your storyline, plan for plot twists, know your cast of characters, and stay open to different perspectives? That's resilience.

The Importance of Futurecaster Leadership

Futurecaster leadership, by definition, must start now. Imagine your leadership team around a table, discussing your story using these discussion points. At Clear Sight Coaching and Consulting, we offer teams of 5-8 people the opportunity to sit around a table and consider your organization's story for the future. And yes, here's a plug for the Plot Twist Exercise for larger teams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing the Futurecaster leadership style is essential for navigating the complexities of today's work environment. By focusing on storytelling, agility, innovation, relational dynamics, and resilience, leaders can prepare their teams for the uncertainties ahead. Start the conversation today and shape the future of your organization.

Michele Aikens is CEO of Clear Sight Coaching & Consulting, Inc.

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