Opinions vary as to what defines a “classic” business book. My own opinion is that it offers insights and counsel that are of timeless value. To paraphrase Bernard of Chartres, a 12th century monk, their authors are the shoulders upon which each new generation of leaders stands. For example:

Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future
Joel Arthur Barker
HarperBusiness/An imprint of HarperCollins (1993)

One thing that never changes is the need to grapple with change. Barker, a futurist and author, popularized the idea of a “paradigm shift,” which he defined as a major change of the rules that establish or define boundaries. Paradigm shifts typically require new behavior on the part of organizations. Anticipate what’s coming, and you can control it before it controls you.

Barker explains “strategic exploration,” a tool for sussing out the future. There are five steps: understanding the influences that shape our perceptions; thinking in a divergent manner, which enables us to consider more than one right answer; thinking in a convergent manner, which enables us to integrate data while prioritizing choices; mapping, which reveals pathways from the present to the future; and imaging, which documents (using words, drawings or models) what is learned during the process of exploration. As Peter Drucker reminds us, one of the greatest challenges for any organization is to manage the consequences and implications of a future that has already occurred. Read this book and get ahead of the curve.