THINKING IN THE FUTURE TENSE: Leadership Skills for a New Age

Reading this book a decade later since it was first published in 1996, I did wonder whether the title still holds, however, I have to concede that Dr. James, an urban cultural anthropologist as well as a widely traveled business lecturer has had a keen vision that would challenge the modern minds of 2006. Good thing is that if we follow her practical advices she spells out across pages, we can not only open up our mind to accept and adapt to the change made in the past, and the changes taking place today, we can also prepare ourselves to become visionaries who could lead the next decade, especially in the world of business. Author offers "know-how" and "know-what" to understand how the technological change leading to economical change which in turn affects our business and its position in the global world, as well as to adapt to a new society brought by demographic and cultural changes. There are many tips and advices and mind stretching exercises in the book but the author keeps emphasizing the key point is to keep our mind and eyes open. It is easier said than done actually and many of us may believe our mind and eyes are indeed open until we confront with her many thought provoking questions such as whether we feel nostalgia about earlier times. If we say yes to it that is not a good sign as she argues that nostalgia will trap and lock us in, and we become less adaptable in a rapidly changing time. Author points out that while culture changes slowly unlike technology, economy, and demography due to its deep rooting in the past, it does change and she warns those who fail to accept the cultural change would run the risk of future embarrassment. Women attaining the equal status and gays gaining political power in our society are such examples she cites. For those who are engaged in the global economy, she advises to become aware of the myths and beliefs of each country and culture to which their goods are delivered. Today, a lack of cultural awareness is one of the big issues that managers of US global companies face while having their employees spread over multiple time zones. To stay ahead of the rest, she suggests that we relax our barriers towards new notions by shedding inhibitions created by age, gender, experience, and training. Myths can interfere with our understanding of the world around us, she says. We assume others think like us when indeed they do not. Myths change as cultures change while myth awareness will increase our ability to look into the future along with the recognition of social trends and patterns that flow beneath the rapid current of change. To gain the power of myth and symbols (which is a summary of myths as she defined) she says to watch for new symbols and notice the shifts in advertising, children's books, new magazines, and best-sellers, and catch trends in sitcoms and know what's hot in other countries. Corporate manager's ability to understand what's coming or what's in the pipe determines their success

James' book was required reading for my doctoral program. I found it enlightening and thought provoking. So much history and perspective packed into one little book. Makes the reader think about how and why events happen. The future is upon us and FAST. Those who fail to realize this will be left behind.

In her book, Thinking in the Future Tense, Leadership Skills for a New Age, Jennifer James provides the reader with a framework to help organize the future. She provides insights to allow her reader to explore, analyze, and revise their own vision of themselves and their organization.In order to develop this new perspective, James states that "All you need is a new Mind!" The way to attain this is to "think in the future tense." You will need to understand how technologic, economic, demographic, and cultural changes will affect your life and your work. She lists eight skills to help you know what the future will look like. These skills are: 1. Perspective 2. Pattern recognition 3. Cultural knowledge 4. Flexibility 5. Vision 6. Energy 7. Intelligence 8. Global valuesThese eight skills are presented and described in the chapters which make up the balance of her book.James is an urban cultural anthropologist. And of course, her perspective on the subject of c! hange is colored by her background in anthropology. The focus on the cultural aspects of change is interesting. Her "stories" about people and their organizations throughout the text are revealing and insightful. In her chapter on Harnessing the Power of Myths and Symbols, she uses her skill as an anthropologist to help her reader "discover" elements about our current culture. Through this discovery we can better prepare ourselves for the future.Stephen Kay, Doctoral Student, Educational Technology, Pepperdine University

On the eve of the twenty-first century, the pressure is on and leaders need to learn faster, think smarter, and rid themselves of old assumptions and confining mindsets. Jennifer James explains the skills necessary to break free of old mindsets and ways to exploit new business trends, products, and services. Survival skills require the ability to identify the important changes (perspective), the ability to do more with less (energy), and the ability to create new patterns. James provides penetrating insights and stimulating ways of thinking. Her book is not only thought-provoking, she also provides practical coping suggestions and new ways to lead. I particularly liked her insights on "Harnessing the Power of Myths and Symbols" and "Understanding the Past to Know the Future." Her book is full of stories and examples and is a quick read.

A practical approach to keeping up with the times-especially if you're past 45. Dreamers of all ages can see the future in the patterns of the past, led by intrepid anthropologist Dr. Jennifer James-a witty, brilliant seer who warns, "You can be right, or you can know what is happening.