Change is inevitable, in business, in life, and certainly in leadership. Yet, some people seem to navigate it more smoothly than others. They anticipate shifts before they fully unfold. They “see around corners.” While it might look like intuition, the truth is that this skill can be developed.
The first step in mastering the skill of seeing around corners is maintaining an open mindset. Change isn’t the exception; it’s the rule. When you expect things to shift, you’re not thrown off when they do, and that means less time reacting and more time adapting.
By welcoming change rather than resisting it, you can move quickly from “Why is this happening?” to “How can I make this work for me?” This mindset shift transforms uncertainty into opportunity. In real estate, for instance, market conditions are constantly evolving. Agents who anticipate change, who see the signs of new trends, shifting buyer needs, or emerging technologies, are the ones who stay ahead.
The second part of seeing around corners is understanding where you’ve been. Knowledge of history, both personal and professional, provides the foundation for intelligent pivots. You can’t know where to go next if you don’t understand how you arrived at your current point.
Whether you’re analyzing your business performance or reflecting on life experiences, context matters. Each step you’ve taken holds clues to what’s coming next. When you combine awareness of your past with an open mindset for the future, change stops being intimidating and starts becoming manageable.
When you blend awareness of history with a readiness for change, you develop foresight. You won’t predict the future perfectly; no one can. But you’ll begin to sense patterns, identify early signals, and move with intention.
That’s the real skill of seeing around corners: staying grounded in what you know, curious about what’s next, and confident enough to move forward even when the path isn’t obvious.
November 10, 2025 - Mindful Monday presented by Chris Masiello, Chairman of The Masiello Group
