Rewriting Rules - An Innovation Exercise

Envisioning preferred future outcomes is a critical, and frequently overlooked, dimension of Strategic Foresight. Here’s a quick, action-oriented exercise to help you step out of routine and move towards a future that’s closer to one you’d want to be a part of.

Step 1: Name the Norms

What if we could free ourselves from “that’s how it’s always been done”, jettison “but it's best practices”, and instead, consider: What’s possible if we write the rules?

Take a few minutes to list 3-5 “unwritten rules” or practices in your industry that feel outdated, rigid, or unnecessary. Here are some examples:

• Being constantly connected and responsive, even outside working hours

• Growth is measured only by profit and revenue

• Personal branding and online presence are essential for career advancement

Now ask yourself: Why do these rules exist? What are 3-4 values that these rules imply are important to us?

Step 2: Imagine the Future

Now, get creative. For each rule you’ve identified, ask yourself:

• What would the ideal version of this “rule” look like? How might it change or shift?

• What are 3 values that would need to be important in order for this shift to take place?

• How would changing it benefit people in your industry, clients, and even society?

Don’t overthink this - set a timer for 5 minutes and write down your answers.

Step 3: New Actions, New Realities

Almost done! This final step is like knocking over that first domino - it starts a bigger movement towards your future vision.

Now apply 1-3-1: 1 rule, 3 possible actions, 1 commitment.

Choose just one of your new rules and brainstorm 3 actions you could take in the next month to start living it. Think small, think manageable—but think actionable. Commit to one action and add it to your calendar! For example:

• New Rule: Prioritize well-being over round-the-clock availability.

• First Steps: Set boundaries around working hours and communicate them to clients as a value-added “well-being commitment.”

“The future depends on what you do today.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

You make decisions that shape the future every day. These small steps make your vision real, and bring you and your industry a little closer to that ideal future.