64 the ELEC TRICAL DISTRIBUTOR • Dec. 16 www.tEDmag.com
REPORTSPECIAL
The Face of the Future
GET READY FOR A WORLD WHERE CURRENT
MARKET TRENDS OR CONVENTIONAL LOGIC MAY NOT
BE APPLICABLE IN THE SHORT TERM—OR AT ALL.
by Gary Thomas T o envisage a logical approach and esired outcome of future events, whether planned or hoped for, elec- trical distributors assume certain risks. Because “future” is a linear
measurement of time but not necessarily a
continuation of the present, using past experiences to predict future events and outcomes could be a problematic methodology
for forecasting what will happen three, 10,
or 50 years from now. At risk are time, resources, and, perhaps, one’s confidence.
In truth, the “future” is an unorganized
array of independent uncertainties, irregularities, and non sequiturs. Current market
trends or conventional logic may or may not
be applicable in the short term—or at all.
In her article How to Future-Proof Your Business ( businessbusinessbusiness.com.au),
Lenore Miller wrote, “A critical difference between traditional thinking
and futuristic thinking is that futuristic
thinking focuses on creating the future,
rather than being a passive observer.”
