Data is everywhere we look. It seems to find us even when we aren’t looking for it. And frankly, it can be overwhelming—especially without the proper tools to turn that data into valuable business insights.
The good news is that we can mine this information for insights to improve our businesses, careers, and personal lives.
Data becomes valuable in business when you can spot trends ahead of time. Many businesses react to trends. Few see them coming years in advance.
Let’s put this into perspective using our current situation. It is no secret that coronavirus has threatened and even upended the status quo. Business leaders like Bill Gates saw this coming, identified the trends, and anticipated the implications. Best-selling author Susan Scott calls this ability “squid eye” –the ability to spot trends that may be hiding in plain sight…to follow clues early on in order to eke out indicators of change in the environment that could require changes within the workplace.
For instance, the stay-at-home orders issued in response to the pandemic have caused a surge in remote work…resulting in increased internet usage, online learning, and virtual collaboration. Platforms like Zoom, Teams, and GoToMeeting also anticipated this trend.
Global connectivity is only one trend that will affect the future of business. There are several others.
I am hosting a workshop in the next few weeks as part of a class on strategic foresight—the ability to spot global trends and take action to better prepare for the future.
This is doctoral-level work and it will add value to any organization.
If your organization needs help in this area, you can send me a direct message at t_anderson@teaiiano.com. I will respond as soon as possible.
Talk soon,
Thomas
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