I am a pool player, both on the billiards table and in business. I have often said I like to look 8 pools shots ahead when I am talking about digital innovation, and it just struck me how true this is. In pool you have to consider what “Shapes” you will be in with the cue ball after taking a shot to position yourself for the next shot. You have to think that if you successfully execute your shot and put the right “spin” on the ball to position yourself, then what is the 2nd shot and so on. This takes Vision, the ability to project future moves that will allow you to execute your goal. Also while evaluating what your consecutive moves will be you have to consider what if you don’t leave the cue in the exact space you’re hoping for, whats the back up plan. I find that in the business of digital transformation, you have to be a very good pool player and not only understand and envision the end game, or milestones from a technology stand point but how to get all the people, process and bureaucracies to move in a common direction so you will end up with great “Shapes” for the next digital win. So to all you digital innovators and transformers, study all the balls on the table and make sure you consider the shapes you leave yourself. Not everyone has the ability to vision on the big picture, you have to bring them along to setup the next shot.