Research Brief
A recording for this session isn't published. Below is the BPI editorial brief — key takeaways, an in-depth summary, and FAQs drawn from the original session materials and the presenter's body of work.
Presenter
Rita McGrath
Description
In this interactive webinar, Columbia Business School faculty member Rita McGrath will introduce a perspective from her forthcoming book, “Seeing Around Corners.” This will relate to how executives can best position themselves to “see” major changes in their environment. Participants will leave with actionable ideas that they can implement immediately.
This session delves into the critical skill of anticipating and navigating strategic inflection points, those moments when the fundamental basis of competition changes. Understanding how to see these shifts coming and prepare for them is vital for sustained organizational success and avoiding disruption, especially in today's fast-evolving global landscape.
What you'll learn
- How to develop a framework for anticipating strategic inflection points.
- Methods for identifying weak signals of change before they become major trends.
- The importance of continuous strategic sensing within an organization.
- Techniques for adapting organizational structures and processes to new realities.
- Insights into maintaining competitive advantage in dynamic environments.
Who this webinar is for
- Executives and senior leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy.
- Managers involved in innovation, R&D, and market analysis.
- Professionals interested in strategic planning and future-proofing their businesses.
- Anyone seeking to improve their capacity for foresight and proactive decision-making.
Why it matters now
The ability to "see around corners" has become a non-negotiable leadership competency. The pace of technological advancement, geopolitical shifts, and market disruption means that organizations constantly face new challenges and opportunities. Reacting too slowly to these shifts can lead to obsolescence, while early recognition allows for strategic repositioning and competitive advantage. This approach is crucial for building resilient, future-ready organizations.
How leaders can apply this
Leaders can begin by implementing structured processes for environmental scanning and horizon-gazing within their teams. Encourage diverse perspectives and challenge assumptions to uncover blind spots. Rita McGrath's insights suggest fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, allowing for small-scale probes into emerging areas. Translate foresight into actionable strategic initiatives, ensuring that resource allocation aligns with anticipated future needs rather than solely present demands. Regularly review and update strategic plans based on new insights.
About this session
Key takeaways
Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on workplace culture. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Rita McGrath's direct experience.
Who this is for
CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for workplace culture inside their organization.
Why it matters now
Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about workplace culture.
How to apply it
Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.