I encourage foresight by promoting scenario planning, proactive risk assessment, and regular strategic discussions to help the team anticipate challenges and stay adaptable.

I’ve found that helping the team balance short-term execution with long-term vision requires regular discussions about the broader impact of their work. Breaking down long-term goals into manageable milestones and celebrating small wins along the way keeps momentum high. It’s also key to model this mindset through actions, consistently tying decisions back to long-term goals.

Shifting a team’s focus from short-term wins to the importance of long-term planning can be challenging, but it's absolutely crucial for sustainable success. Connect Long-Term Goals to Current Success Show how long-term planning can make short-term victories more consistent and meaningful. Often, the reluctance to focus on long-term goals comes from the perception that they conflict with immediate results. Explain how well-constructed long-term strategies reduce the firefighting by proactively addressing the root causes of issues. Example: "Imagine our short-term win as planting a seed. Long-term planning is what allows us to water it regularly and protect it, ensuring it becomes a fruitful tree rather than just a temporary sprout."

When my team is overly focused on short-term goals, I work to broaden their view by emphasising the benefits of long-term planning. I illustrate how strategic foresight can drive sustainable growth and create lasting value beyond immediate wins. To make the shift manageable, I set incremental milestones that tie into our broader objectives, allowing us to celebrate progress while keeping an eye on the horizon. Leading by example is essential - I make long-term thinking a core part of my decision-making to inspire the same in my team.

In my experience, one way to foster a long-term mindset is to involve the team in creating a shared vision, like a roadmap or vision board, where they can see how their roles contribute to future goals. Linking daily tasks to broader company objectives helps them understand their impact on long-term success. Sharing success stories from similar teams or organizations can also demonstrate the rewards of patience and planning. Encouraging forward-thinking during problem-solving and recognizing team members who bring up long-term perspectives can gradually build a culture that values and embraces long-term goals.