forward-thinking

[Antonio]

Hi Group,

What does "foward-thinking" mean?

 

[GenJen54]

Hi Antonio,

"Forward-thinking" is used primarily in business circles to describe a person or company who is seen as "visionary." In short, someone who is forward-thinking is thinking progressively and possesses the ability to look beyond the "now" and formulate strategies for future success. They are constantly asking "what's next?"

 

[sundroplets]

It would help to have it in a sentence, but generally speaking it means to think in a new and more advanced way. The opposite of "backwards thinking".

If it is the same context you could also say "think outside of the box" that is said way too much in business meetings if you ask me. But none-the-less it is valid though cliché.

 

[IloveAlaysia]

forward thinking says that a person thinks ahead and can consider all options and consequences.

 

[river]

Odd, forward-thinking is not in Webster's. When did this word come about and how does it differ from forward-looking ?

 

[GenJen54]

Odd, forward-thinking is not in Webster's. When did this word come about and how does it differ from forward-looking ?

No, it's not. Nor is it in any other dictionary I could find. However, its not being in a dictionary does not make it any less valid. The word is quite common in the tech industry and/or business marketplace and is slowly creeping its way into more common usage, thanks to the media and other means of communication.

As a note, of the eighteen words selected for inclusion in the 2005 Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition), the majority "originated" in the 1980s and early 1990s. Many times, it takes a while for a word to be "in circulation" before it is included in the dictionary. Among this year's selections, one word has been in use in the scientific community since 1842. The "newest" addition is from 1996, so it is nine years old.

As to how "forward-looking" and "forward-thinking" differ, I do not know that specifically.

To my ear (and brain) forward-looking describes someone who is particularly focused on the future and making plans for it. (Webster's definition is here.) In general, this is someone who looks ahead.

Forward-thinking is someone who is more of a visionary, who understands future forecasting and is able to intuitively "guess" about trends based upon past history and experience. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, the Google guys, etc. are all examples of great "forward-thinkers."

I think one can easily be "forward-looking" without necessarily being "forward-thinking."

 

[nycphotography]

I think one can easily be "forward-looking" without necessarily being "forward-thinking."

Which would be: predicting future results using the methods of the past.

Forward thinking is about trying to figure out the goals of tomorow, then trying to find the methods of tomorrow to achieve them. Forward thinking is the instrument of change, whereas forward looking is not. In fact, forward looking often presupposes an absence of change, or an "all else benig equal" mentality.

Forward looking, I can estimate my account balance at the end of the year, based on my weekly pay, my known fixed expenses, and my estimated variable expenses.

Forward THINKING, I can try to find new ways of changing my weekly pay (sell the cat?), or eliminating my fixed expenses (move back in with mom?), etc.

If I sell my car (eliminating of large monthly expense), buy a bicycle (small one time investment), ride it to work (exercise), cancel the gym membership (monthly savings), and always call the cute girl at work for a ride when it rains (clever excuse for creating a social connection), then I can engineer a new way of commuting, exercising, and dating... which may be rewarding in multiple ways at once. Now THAT's forward thinking.

But knowing me, all else being equal, I'm far too lazy to ever follow through with it and will end up buying another car, and having a stupid bicycle taking up half my living room. It will be a disaster. Now THAT's forward looking.

 

[foxfirebrand]

I think one can easily be "forward-looking" without necessarily being "forward-thinking."

Yes, definitely. I think it can mean taking the long-term approach to a specific problem. Forward-looking people can be pragamatic and not necessarily concerned with "cultural" or aesthetic issues like forward-thinking people tend to be. In general parlance, I'd say forward-thinking has more to do with being avant-garde or "progressive."
.

 

[You little ripper!]

I see someone as "forward thinking" if they are one step ahead of most people in their thinking. A lot of geniuses are forward thinking. Most of them are considered mad or eccentric during their life. It is only when their theories are proved to be correct that they are recognized as geniuses.

 

[GenJen54]

Forward thinking is about trying to figure out the goals of tomorow, then trying to find the methods of tomorrow to achieve them. Forward thinking is the instrument of change, whereas forward looking is not. In fact, forward looking often presupposes an absence of change, or an "all else benig equal" mentality.

This made me think of another possible analogy.

Forward-looking thought is concrete, certain (like your budgetary example.)

Forward-thinking is abstract, obtuse, and not necessarily reliant upon a predictable outcome.

 

[river]

I found a definition that might be of interest:

Forward Thinking: The ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations and take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.

• Anticipates possible problems and develops contingency plans in advance.
• Notices trends in the industry or marketplace and develops plans to prepare for opportunities or problems.
• Anticipates the consequences of situations and plans accordingly.
• Anticipates how individuals and groups will react to situations and information and plans accordingly. (Workforce Management)

 

[judkinsc]

I found a definition that might be of interest:

Forward Thinking: The ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations and take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.

• Anticipates possible problems and develops contingency plans in advance.
• Notices trends in the industry or marketplace and develops plans to prepare for opportunities or problems.
• Anticipates the consequences of situations and plans accordingly.
• Anticipates how individuals and groups will react to situations and information and plans accordingly. (Workforce Management)

"Foresight" then, as compared to the somewhat different connotations of "forward-looking".


The root of "foresight" in Greek is really translatable as "forward thinking". Do you know "Prometheus"?

 

[nonip]

Hi Antonio,

"Forward-thinking" is used primarily in business circles to describe a person or company who is seen as "visionary." In short, someone who is forward-thinking is thinking progressively and possesses the ability to look beyond the "now" and formulate strategies for future success. They are constantly asking "what's next?"

Thank you soo very much for your great explanation / break down in simple terms for me.