Get There Early: Sensing the Future to Compete in the Present

We cannot predict the future, but we can prepare for and possibly shape the outcomes. This is a really great book that conveys a process of "Foresight to Insight to Action" to make sense of, and to address possible futures. Further discussion about gleaning Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility in a world that is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous is also helpful. Finally, an exploration of the difference between "problem solving" and "dilemma sense-making" is a key concept for a shift in thinking in how to mangage through the challenges that face us today, and in the future. This book is very useful for those who must think strategically to lead their organizations. I have benefitted both personally and professionaly from the content of this book.

Get There Early is an important book. In this age of volitility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, we all can use some help. Bob's clear explaination of the forces that will impact our children and grandchildren need to be understood. For companies trying to tackle sustainability, wellness, lack of leadership, poor decision-making and other top challenges, this should be required reading.

GET THERE EARLY: SENSING THE FUTURE TO COMPETE IN THE PRESENT provides a survey of techniques developed by the Institute for the Future, which has been refining such ideas for nearly forty years. It develops the Institute's three-step Foresight to Insight to Action cycle that allows readers to understand and navigate the world of dilemmas and problems, using simulation gaming and real-world problems to encourage innovative thinking and strategies. An excellent account, GET THERE EARLY is perfect for business collections appealing to business and community leaders. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

I've worked closely with Bob Johansen and IFTF for the last decade. This book is a wonderful summary of all the meetings, conversations, techniques, and forecasts - of all the things I've learned working with Bob. I've used all of these techniques and approaches - repeatedly. They work for me. They can work for you. Tim Van Roekel - P & G

This is a very readable book that demystifies "futurism" while simultaneously explaining how foresight work focused 10, 20, or even 50 years into the future can be indispensably helpful to organizations, whether profit-based or with other missions. Inside the book jacket is an actual Map of the Future, which is explained in detail in the text. If you're responsible for strategy or innovation, this is one of those few books that is undeniably worth the investment. --- Full disclosure: I'm affiliated with Institute for the Future, and know Bob.