When we think ahead and work it out backward, we shift from reactive to strategic thinking. From reacting to what’s happening now to designing what could happen next.
We start with the change we want to create. The problem solved. The future state realised. Then we ask:
What must be true for this to happen?
What steps must precede this outcome?
What foundations must be built first?
This forces us to clarify our desired destination before planning the journey, define success before determining strategy, and envision impact before designing action.
This approach will help us notice dependencies we might otherwise miss, see prerequisites that must be established, and identify the capabilities we need to develop.
The path has higher chances of becoming clearer when we get a better understanding of where we’re trying to go.