In recent weeks I’ve heard this term used to describe extraordinary leaders several times – from our speakers in the Emerging Leaders Program, on the History Channel program “The Men Who Built America,” and in the book I’m currently reading, “Edgewalkers” by Judith Neal.  As the term suggests, these are individuals who are able to interpret data, trends, and patterns in ways that enable them to predict what’s coming.  In “The Men Who Built America,” Cornelius Vanderbilt was held up as exemplifying this trait for his foresight in understanding and capitalizing on the importance of the railroad system to the development of the United States.

As was noted in each of these portrayals, this attribute is rare.  And there seems to be much debate over whether this type of leadership is innate or learned.  However, each of us has the ability to strengthen our ability to at least see down the road if not around the corner.  Become a student of your industry – read industry magazines/blogs/etc, attend industry conferences, participate in industry think tanks.  If these don’t exist, start them.  By understanding the trends that led to your industry, how your industry is viewed today, and what the current thought leaders in your industry are saying, you can begin to build an idea of how the industry might proceed.  And, who knows, you may even begin to peek around the next corner!