wisdom to win

 Wisdom to Win
search bar left
search bar right
 

John Naisbitt (1929- )John Naisbitt

 

American expert of future business trends (pictured right) and famous for his multi-million worldwide bestseller, Megatrends (see below).

 

 

Key book

 

Megatrends (1984)

 

Ten “megatrends” will shape the future:

 

1. From an industrial to an information society

There is lots of information but little knowledge, so selecting what’s important is vital.

 

2. From forced technology to high tech/ high touch

Technology must respond to human needs (“high tech/high touch”).

 

3. From a national economy to a world economy

Globalization is inevitable with an interdependent world economy.

 

4. From short-term to long-term

Businesses must:

  • be visionary.  
  • think about their long-term future (strategy, the business they’re in, etc.).

 

5. From centralization to decentralization

People’s involvement in decision making in government, society and organizations.

 

6. From institutional help to self-help

More self-help, community involvement and self-employment.

 

7. From representative democracy to participating democracy

Power to people e.g. referenda, employee involvement in decision making and empowering leadership.

 

8. From hierarchies to networking

Communication through informal contacts (e.g. in groups) outside the hierarchical structure.

 

9. From North to South

An economic shift in America from the North and East to the South and West (particularly Florida, Texas and California).

 

10. From either/or to multiple option

Greater personal choice - for example:

  • product variety. 
  • more opportunities for women and racial minorities.
  • flexible working hours

 

Key quote on knowledge management

We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.

 

Key quotes on the past, present and future

The most reliable way to anticipate the future is by understanding the present.

Trends, like horses, are easier to ride in the direction they are already going.

 

Key quote on technology

We must learn to balance the material wonders of technology with the spiritual demands of our human nature.

 

Key quote on leadership

The new leader is a facilitator, not an order giver.

 

Key quote on human resource management

The most formidable challenge will be to train people to work in the information society.

Free Newsletter
Enter your name and e-mail address to receive our free newsletter with analysis of business issues and new business books

Quotes