The Speed of Change, and How to Respond
Robin Helweg-Larsen
Published Date
Embracing Change: Business Acumen in an Unpredictable World
We all say we know that the world is changing faster than ever. But do we truly embrace change?
Not everyone does.
- If you are already at the top, you might prefer things to stay the way they are.
- If you hold a fixed world view—whether religious or scientific—new discoveries and paradigm shifts may feel unsettling.
- But for those who thrive on change—who enjoy learning, diversity, and the excitement of the unknown—technological advances are as exhilarating as exploring a new country.
A Glimpse Into a Barely Conceivable Future
FastCoDesign recently reported on an innovation from the Tangible Media Group at MIT's Media Lab;
A system that tracks the movement of objects—like hands in 3D—and replicates them remotely through a grid of posts. This allows someone to manipulate an object at a distance—even when they physically can’t reach it.
Looking behind the scenes, it’s like watching someone playing a theremin, or a Wii without a controller. You move your hands here, and the world reacts somewhere else.
The phrase “Reach out and touch someone” just took on an entirely new meaning.
.Industries That Will Be Transformed
The implications of this technology are staggering. Industries that could be revolutionized by robotics, AI, and remote manipulation include:
- Warfare
- Search and rescue
- Surgery
- Construction
- Space exploration
- Gaming
- And yes, pornography
It hasn’t happened yet, but it’s coming.
Because my belief is: Anything that anyone can imagine will, at some point, be attempted—and given enough time, achieved.
How Do You Plan for a Future That Won’t Stand Still?
In Income|Outcome business simulations, just like in the real world, there is no certainty and no predetermined correct path.
So how do you plan for the future—whether in business or in life—when the ground is shifting beneath you?
The Answer Lies in Business Acumen
Success in an unpredictable world comes down to these key principles:
- Know yourself (or your company)—your strengths and weaknesses.
- Know your environment—your competitors, customers, and vendors.
- Search for opportunities and threats—and adapt quickly.
- Maintain an adequate cash flow—because cash is what keeps you flexible.
- Improve the speed and accuracy of information sharing—knowledge is power.
- Use plans—not for certainty, but to identify limitations and prepare for pivots.
- Stay flexible and able to respond rapidly to change—because change is the only constant.
A World of Disruptive Technologies and Limitless Opportunities
We no longer live in a world of steady, gradual improvement.
We live in a world of disruptive technologies, unpredictable change, and ever-expanding knowledge. A world where the rules of business—and life—are constantly shifting.
That’s why, in our business acumen workshops, we don’t teach predetermined answers. Instead, we provide foundational thinking and visualization of key business concepts.
What you do with your new insights and understanding—that’s up to you.
Develop Business Acumen That Prepares You for the Future
The world isn’t slowing down. Neither should your ability to adapt, strategize, and make informed decisions.
Find out how Income|Outcome can help you build the business acumen needed to thrive in an unpredictable world. Click here to learn more.
