Extended Visibility

Understanding extended visibility

Extended visibility is about creating the space for organizations to anticipate and adapt to future challenges and opportunities. It provides the critical time needed to gather comprehensive information, reduce stress and pressure, and consider all available options for a more aligned and holistic strategy.

Examples of extended visibility

The image of a vast field under a twilight sky serves as a metaphor for extended visibility in business — the ability to see far and wide, recognizing patterns and opportunities as they emerge. Here's how extended visibility plays out in practice:

Strategic foresight

Implementing systemic views that allow businesses to shift from reactive short-term fixes to proactive, long-term planning.

Patient capital

Investing time and resources in initiatives that may not pay off immediately but promise substantial long-term benefits.

Holistic stakeholder evaluation

Taking the time to consider the impact of decisions on all stakeholders, ensuring that actions are in line with broader business goals and values.

Impacts and consequences of extended visibility

Potential positive impacts include:

Improved decision quality

By avoiding rushed judgments, businesses can reduce errors and make well-informed decisions.

Proactive risk management

Early identification of potential risks allows for effective mitigation before issues can fully develop.

Alignment with long-term goals

A wider view enables better alignment of actions with strategic objectives, supporting sustained growth.

Potential negative impacts include:

Resource allocation

Extended visibility requires investment in processes and tools that may initially divert resources from other areas.

Paralysis by analysis

With more information and time, there's a potential risk of overanalyzing decisions, leading to delays.

Adapting to pace

The shift from a reactive to a proactive approach requires cultural and operational changes that may initially slow down momentum.

Strategic approaches to extended visibility

To achieve extended visibility, organizations should:

Encourage systemic thinking

Adopting a holistic approach to view the business and its environment as interconnected systems.

Create space for strategic planning

Allocating time and resources to strategic planning sessions that allow for in-depth analysis and foresight.

Shift focus

Moving the focus from immediate outcomes to longer-term impacts and value creation.