Education Commons^™

Forward Thinking, Stephanie Tweed, Erika Bradley

ETSU Faculty Works

Forward thinking is a multi-faceted concept. Forward thinking does not entail predicting the future but rather anticipating what is next for an organization through the use of strategies, visions, and reflection. Words to describe forward thinking are possibility thinking, anticipation, tactical decision making, and envisioning.

Forward thinking applies to many areas of leadership. Within education, administrators particularly benefit from forward thinking strategies. Administrators can maximize his or her school’s forward thinking potential through strategies, reflection, and time management. Since the most successful strategies are built backwards, administrators must begin with the end result in mind; student achievement. Reflection allows administrators …