Future-Proof Leadership: Combine Agility and Anticipation for Smarter Decisions
We’re not living in a world of “either/or” decisions anymore.
Whether you’re navigating innovation or steering organizational strategy, the most effective leaders today embrace a “both/and” mindset. That’s especially true when it comes to how we make decisions.
For years, agility has dominated leadership thinking—especially in tech and innovation sectors. Agility helps you pivot, adapt quickly, and react when the unexpected hits. It’s indispensable—but also incomplete.
If all you're doing is reacting, you're already one step behind.
That’s where anticipation comes in. It’s not a replacement for agility—it’s the missing half of the equation. When you anticipate using future certainties—what I call Hard Trends—you’re able to make proactive, confident decisions that don’t just help you survive disruption but help you lead it.
What Makes Anticipation So Powerful?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Agility is reacting fast to change.
Anticipation is acting fast because you saw it coming.
Agility is essential for unexpected variables. But Hard Trends, which are based on future certainties in areas like tech, demographics, and regulations, give leaders a powerful edge. You no longer have to guess—you can know and plan with confidence.
Anticipatory decision-making reduces risk, speeds up strategy, and clarifies direction. That clarity allows for smarter use of agility—saving reaction time for the things that truly are unpredictable.
Which Companies Are Leading With Anticipation?
Let’s take a look at a few leaders who’ve mastered this hybrid approach:
Microsoft: Getting Ahead of the AI Revolution
Microsoft didn’t wait for generative AI to explode—they invested in OpenAI back in 2019. That wasn’t luck; it was strategic foresight. But it didn’t stop there. Their agility came into play when they integrated tools like Copilot into Office365 and Azure, adapting product designs and educating users on the fly.
Walmart: Scaling E-Commerce With Precision Long before the pandemic, Walmart saw the Hard Trends of digital shopping and automation. That foresight led them to invest early in robotics, hybrid fulfillment centers, and curbside pickup. When COVID-19 hit, they didn’t need to scramble—they were already prepared and scaled with agility.
John Deere: Automating Agriculture With Foresight In 2017, Deere acquired Blue River Technology—an early move toward AI-driven precision farming. That strategic anticipation enabled them to launch autonomous tractors and real-time field updates through JDLink. The result? They're not just reacting to agricultural trends—they're leading them.
How Can You Start Leading With Agility and Anticipation?
Here’s how to begin integrating this blended mindset into your leadership approach:
Spot the Hard Trends in your industry—look for what’s guaranteed to happen based on tech, demographics, or regulations.
Pre-solve predictable problems before they escalate.
Use agility at the execution level—adapt fast, but on a clearly defined, confidently chosen path.
Don’t view this as a choice between reacting or planning. The most future-ready leaders do both, intentionally and simultaneously.
Want to Lead With Greater Confidence in 2026?
Think of great leaders like pilots. A pilot files a flight plan (anticipation), but also makes in-flight adjustments (agility). One without the other is risky—but both together? That’s how you navigate uncertainty with confidence.
If you’re serious about thriving in an age of disruption, you need future certainty on your side.
I’ve identified 25 key tech trends for 2026 that can help you anticipate and lead boldly. These are not guesses—they’re Hard Trends you can use now to:
Solve problems before they arise
Spot game-changing opportunities
Align your organization with the future—not just the present
