by Do you recognize this quote attributed to the late Alexander Haig? I wouldn’t have expected to be attracted to his philosophy, but a futurist ought to take their counsel from wherever it comes. I came across it during my dissertation research from an article by Denis Loveridge in his previous role with Pilkington. He describes his experience in influencing change in the organization over twenty years ago, and reaches conclusions similar to my own experience in working inside a large organization, including the the quote from General Haig above and another I found particularly on target: “revolutionary inventions depend on personal endurance for their successful completion.”
It may seem counter-inituitive to futurists, who rely so much on their creativity and vision, to suggest the importance of disciple. It’s not an “either-or,” but a “both-and.” A powerful and necessary combination. Work “inside” requires a tremendous amount of patience and vision. In working with some newer insiders, a learning from experience that I can bring is the importance of vision backed up with tangible details in how to make that happen. It’s not about locking into a path, but locking into the vision, mapping out the options, and paying attention to the signals that the organization is sending, and having the discipline to adapt while keeping focus on the vision. It’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Andy Hines
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