Why Associations Need Foresight: Anticipatory Learning
By Hannes Combest, FASAE, CAE and Bob London, FASAE, CAE
The ability to anticipate change is not just a skill; it’s a powerful tool that is becoming increasingly essential for association leaders. Association leaders are not just coping with change, they are mastering it, gaining a sense of control in the face of uncertainty.
Anticipatory learning is not solely about managing change; it’s about strategically navigating it. Having a future-focused approach that ensures associations are shaping the future, making adaptability a cornerstone of enduring success is essential.
By identifying trends that are future-focused for your organization, you become less reactionary to change, and more prepared for future changes. This proactive approach allows association leaders to create a robust framework for education so that association leaders and members are not just keeping up with the current, they are staying one step ahead of their competitors.
One tool to assist with anticipatory learning is the ASAE Research Foundation’s tool -ForesightWorks. ForesightWorks is an ‘evidenced-based research initiative’ developed and maintained by ASAE. It is designed to assist association professionals in conducting a future-focused environmental scan. ASAE has identified 50 ‘Drivers of Change,’ consistently updated and monitored to ensure they are current for the association community and relevant to the futures of associations. A four-page Action Brief that outlines their long-term implications for associations, key unknowns, and potential action steps for consideration supports each of the 50 Drivers of Change. Using the associated Action Briefs of the three or four Drivers of Change that most impact your association can focus your future educational development.
ForesightWorks and other future-focused tools will ensure that your leaders can start to build a culture of foresight within your association. This culture will ensure you effectively integrate future-focused topics into your curriculum
The success of your association’s educational programs depends on its ability to proactively foresee member needs and look at the impact of future disruptors, an approach that ensures an education program will meet your members’ current and future needs.
As the landscape of business and society evolves, anticipatory learning becomes increasingly paramount. With a vision set on the future, your association can unlock your members’ potential, steering them towards enhanced agility and sustained value.
(aided by AI)
