Anticipatory Focus

Effective leaders have what is referred to as an Anticipatory Focus. In making decisions, planning, strategic planning and communicating they are always considering the what if. If we execute this plan, what are some possible consequences and if we face consequences are we prepared to respond to them. In my book, “A Game Plan for Hiring the Right People” you can learn the basics of an Anticipatory Focus. An Anticipatory Focus also applies to coaching and developing team members. When introducing the concept or skill to be taught, the coach should begin with a short activity to focus the team member’s attention. This enables the team member to anticipate the desired outcome and focus on the learning of the new concept or skill. In teaching a concept or skill the coach needs to anticipate that the team member will not grasp some things quickly or at all. The coach, with an Anticipatory Focus thinks ahead and is prepared to change the approach in order to help the team member learn.
 Conflicts and crises occur in organizations where there is a lack of planning, preparation, communication and/or anticipation. Both can be significantly reduced by taking time to plan, prepare, communicate and anticipate. I know some leaders who will do at least part of the first three. However, I seldom find a leader who has an anticipatory focus. Here is an example of anticipation from my days as a superintendent of schools. We had built a new high school, using fast track design build. The State had condemned and closed the old building so time was of the essence. I knew the State did not like the fact that we used this method of construction. We were down to the final week before school opened. The State Fire Marshal was coming to inspect everything and hopefully give us our certificate of occupancy. One area of the interior was not complete, but we had it cordoned off to prevent students entering that area. I thought what if we do not get the certificate to occupy. My neighbor was the local fire marshal and I met with him for advice. He had information that made me feel a whole lot better. The State Fire Marshal asked to meet with me. We met and it was a short meeting. He said they would not give us occupancy do to the unfinished area of the building. I had anticipated this result, not only do to the area, but the political aspects. I informed him that I had a 30 day temporary occupancy from our local fire marshal. I showed him our certificate and he packed his briefcase and went back to his office. We opened school on time and in less than 30 days the unfinished area was complete and we had our full occupancy certificate. Keep your focus on “what if”.