The role of foresight in operational resilience

Written by Nicole Lott

Organisations that thrive in uncertainty don't just react - they anticipate. They cultivate flexible, forward-thinking mindsets. Those who don't may be surprised by a situation and face delays in responding. People take time to orient themselves before taking action. Foresight is key to operational resilience and affords those who possess it, a deciding edge.

Creative anticipation is about exploring potential scenarios and venturing beyond the obvious. It enables organisations to thrive in ambiguity and enhance resilience in the face of disruption.

Here are some ways to bring creative anticipation into your operational resilience program:

• Speculate about alternative futures and move past historical data and linear thinking. Ask 'what if....' many times over. See the unknown as a canvas for innovation. Experiment, iterate and learn. Ambiguity becomes an opportunity, not a roadblock.

• Imagine vivid pictures of what could lie ahead. Envision scenarios - desired and unwanted, probable and plausible - to build adaptable mindsets and a greater sense of agency.

• Challenge your assumptions and draw on diverse viewpoints. Seek to minimise bias by including different perspectives.

Operational resilience is about much more than plans, processes, registers and control mapping. Strategic foresight requires creative thinking in a non-linear world where numbers alone won't suffice. Organisations that blend data-driven insights with imaginative anticipation will thrive amidst uncertainty.

If you are struggling to break free from routine to envision alternate futures, ask us about joining The Foresight Collective.