Creating the Future, Inc. with Edward D. Barlow, Jr.


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Skills for Future Leaders Credit Union Magazine Feb. 2002 "When the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is in sight." This quote from Jack Welch, CEO of General Electric, sums up how financial institutions need to continuously stretch to prepare for the future or become extinct, notes Edward Barlow, President of Creating the Future, Inc. in St. Joseph, Michigan. That's because issues of global competition, environment, technological advances, and population diversity, as well as the need for professional and organizational change, will become more pronounced, Barlow maintains. This requires organizations to address four questions to formulate future directions: What from the past should be kept because it has future value? What past practices should be modified to be more relevant? What activities should be eliminated because they have no future value? What needs to be created to ensure future success? Financial institutions should incorporate these questions into their strategic planning efforts. In addition, leaders will need new skills to maintain success. The 21^st century leaders, Barlow says, needs these strategic skills: Pathfinding - This skill involves staying ahead of the game by exploring uncharted territory and serving as advanced scouts' through disciplined monitoring of external market conditions. Aligning - This skill enables leaders to quickly and effectively bring together the people and resources to address issues of critical importance via alliances with diverse industries, organizations, community groups, and professions. Empowering - Leaders possessing this skill maintain an environment within which key constituencies and staff have access to information and technical assistance necessary to succeed. They'll do this through effective use of Internet technology and traditional methods of communication. Twenty-first-century success, Barlow adds, requires global connectivity, obsession with customer satisfaction, enhanced people and technology, alternative organizational frameworks, real-time responsiveness, and enduring self-examination. "Close to customer and speed to market will win."
2907 Division Street, Suite 108 St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: (269) 982-1830 Fax: (269) 982-1541 Email barlow@qtm.net