Future-proof versus Future-Fit: from defensive to proactive

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In a world where many changes such as geopolitical tensions, technological innovations, climate problems, are happening at the same time, one thing is clear: organizations must prepare for a future that is by definition uncertain. Companies, from consultancies to corporates, name resilience of being proof for the future as one of the ultimate goals for organizations today. But is this really the term we should use? At TOSCA, we believe that instead of future-proof, companies should be future-ready. So, we are not talking about "future-proof", but about "future-fit". We explain the differences below.

Future-proof
The term future-proof indicates defensiveness. It shows that you are resistant to something, you stand your ground. Think of a sports team that defends a lead and "remains resistant to" the last attacks of the opposing team. It indicates a defensive attitude of the team. 

This is also the case with entrepreneurship. A future-proof business indicates a defensive strategy, built on minimizing threats and limiting changes to the business model. It stems from a risk mindset that revolves around stability and preventing mistakes. Directors identify risks, build in buffers and take measures that protect the organization against external developments. In times of relatively predictable long-term developments, future-proof policy could help organizations very well. But in a time of poly change, it actually increases the risk of falling behind. 

Future-fit
Future-fit entrepreneurship means something else. It’s not about being “future-proof” against change, but about staying fit with change. Meaning it is important to remain relevant as the context shifts and improving because of it.

So, instead of focusing on risks, future-oriented entrepreneurship focuses on opportunities. The organization looks to the future with confidence and curiosity, and sees change not as a threat, but as an opportunity. This requires an adaptive attitude, in which learning, experimentation and agility are central. Instead of waiting for the future to present itself, it is practiced proactively. Future-fit organizations develop skills to adapt faster and more effectively than their environment. 

Where a future-proof mentality implies: "how do we prevent loss?", a Future-Fit mindset: "How do we turn the change into an improvement?" You are not resistant to the future, you become fit with the future. 

However, future skills do not arise by themselves. What do you need to become "future-fit" as an organization?

Courage
A future-fit attitude requires courageous decisions from leaders because the outcome cannot be fully predicted. Investments are needed in developments of which the outcome is not certain. By making room for innovation, even when it clashes with existing structures or KPIs, a culture is created in which new ways of thinking and acting can arise. 

Vulnerability
Future-oriented entrepreneurship also requires vulnerability. Leaders need to open to a wide range of insights. Vulnerability means daring to admit that you don't have all the answers. Actively listening to internal and external stakeholders such as employees at all levels, customers, partners, scientists, civil society organizations and critics. This enriches the vision of the future and leads to better decisions. 

Ambition
Without ambition, future capability remains a series of separate initiatives. Ambition gives direction: a clear picture of where you want to go as an organization, and why that matters. Future-fit organizations link ambition to concrete goals, but at the same time keep room to adjust their route based on what they learn.

Want to know more about future-oriented entrepreneurship?
Check out our website about our Future-Fit Accelerator here.
Read our earlier blog about future-fit here. 

Or contact us at info@toscatribe.nl to discuss how future-ready your organization is.