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Sometimes we do get taken by surprise. For example, when the Internet came along, we had it as a fifth or sixth priority. It wasn't like somebody told me about it and I said, 'I don't know how to spell that.' I said, 'Yeah, I've got that on my list, so I'm okay.' But there came a point when we realized it was happening faster and was a much deeper phenomenon than had been recognized in our strategy.

Bill Gates#19

TechnologyPlanningStrategyAdaptationChange

About this quote

What does it mean?
Strategic priorities can fail to anticipate fast changing technological shifts.
In plain terms
We underestimated how fast the Internet would grow.
What can you take from it?
Keep strategies flexible to adapt to rapid changes.

Where it applies

  • corporate strategy
  • tech planning
  • risk management

Putting it to work

  • monitor trends
  • review priorities
  • stay flexible

Questions to consider

  • How do you spot emerging trends?
  • What did you underestimate before?

Another view

Not every trend is worth immediate attention.

More from Bill Gates

  1. Microsoft looks at new ideas, they don't evaluate whether the idea will move the industry forward, they ask, 'how will it help us sell more copies of Windows?'

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. About 3 million computers get sold every year in China, but people don't pay for the software. Someday they will, though. As long as they are going to steal it…

    Permalink to quote #17

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