Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

by Joel A. Barker

How would like to spot future trends before the competition?

We all know the rules for success in our business or professions, yet we also know that these rules--paradigms--can change at any time. What Joel Barker does in Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future is explain how to spot paradigm shifts, how they unfold, and how to profit from them. Through the power of this method--paradigm spotting--you can:


find the people in your organization most likely to spot a new trend
help your key people adept when a massive change is occurring
learn to effectively grapple with your "intractable problems" and improve your results incalculably.
In addition, Paradigms is full of concrete examples of paradigm shifts and predictions for the future, and contains a new introduction detailing recent developments and pointing out areas to watch tor paradigm shifts.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Buisness, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 1993

Reviews

[Anna Epishcheva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last part, with the "new paradigms" looks dated (and maybe even sad) and I think these concepts are very well understood now, but for me was interesting to read it and see the connections and empowerment with "blackswanish" stuff and TRIZ, and off course now I have best example of limitation of futuristic thinking with Sony Walkman electronic book.

[Samir Dhond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book inspiring and insightful as well. All of us grow with our painted pictures of how we look at the world and as we work around be it in our community or in the corporate world, we get influenced highloyby these painted pictures of the world. We all have own paradigms and those need to be looked at from time to time. I foudn this book captivating because it induces everyone to look at their own paradigms first and leaves the decision to shift them to the reader.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While written from a business perspective, I found that this book had many applications for all aspects of life.

The book was an easy read, but could have been half the length.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably seminal back in the day. Now the concept is widely understood. This book is very easy to read because it has only one simple idea. Probably a good monograph, expanded into a book.

[Manoj Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enriching experience, Opened up new horizons.., Enhanced my own appetite to seek new ideas and how to implement them

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read it for a class but I'm still counting it!

[Rafio Islam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful book I've ever read.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book is super simple: Different people can see different paradigms, so respect, listen, and have trust. However, given the book was published in 1993, the concept is so widespread now, as the result, the book is kinda useless, although I was surprised with all the new paradigm trends that the author predicted in 1990s because they are so correct.
Anyway, this book should be shortened in a TED Talk or an essay because the author keeps repeating the same stuffs. I was so tired and frustrated when I was reading this book. Only a few beginning chapters are actually good.