Seeing Around Corners: How to Spot Inflection Points in Business Before They Happen

Paradigmatic shifts in the business landscape, known as inflection points, can either create new, entrepreneurial opportunities (see Amazon and Netflix) or they can lead to devastating consequences (e.g., Blockbuster and Toys R Us). Only those leaders who can “see around corners”–that is, spot the disruptive inflection points developing before they hit–are poised to succeed in this market.

Columbia Business School Professor and corporate consultant Rita McGrath contends that inflection points, though they may seem sudden, are not random. Every seemingly overnight shift is the final stage of a process that has been subtly building for some time. Armed with the right strategies and tools for innovation proficiency, smart businesses can see these inflection points coming and use them to gain a competitive advantage. Seeing Around Corners is the first hands-on guide to anticipating, understanding, and capitalizing on the inflection points shaping the marketplace.

This essential business strategy guide delivers a playbook for turning disruption into opportunity, including:

• Spotting Early Warnings: Learn how to see the weak signals of a paradigm shift long before it hits, giving your organization time to prepare and pivot.
• Strategic Planning Frameworks: Move beyond abstract theory with practical tools for anticipating, understanding, and capitalizing on the inflection points shaping your market.
• Gaining Competitive Advantage: Discover how leaders at companies like Amazon and Netflix harnessed disruptive influences—and how to avoid the fate of Blockbuster and Toys R Us.
• Innovation Proficiency: Armed with the right strategies taught by Columbia Business School Professor Rita McGrath, your business can see inflection points coming and use them to thrive.