BY NELSON LANE

TRADE-OFFS ARE ALWAYS involved when making investments of time , money or energy . On the one hand , the investment must account for ( and may be limited by ) the most pressing needs of the “ here and now ” in a way that leaves you fully provided for in the present . On the other hand , forward-thinkers make investments designed to reap the greatest return in the future , even if it is a sacrifice in the present . The constant juggling act of deciding where to invest limited resources is performed by business leaders all day , every day — and it ’ s only getting harder .

While continuously working through challenges to accomplish daily goals , business leaders are uniquely burdened by the responsibility of ensuring the future success of their organization . Facing this two-headed dragon poses a daunting test , but it also affords an opportunity to lead with purpose and catalyze innovation among a community of convergent thinkers who operate with a shared long-term perspective .

PricewaterhouseCoopers ’ 26th annual Global CEO Survey explored this “ dual-imperative world ” for business leaders in a study of 4,410 chief executives from 105 countries . In its study , PwC identified three main challenges that encompass what it takes to operate in this world :

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The Present : Leaders are facing day-to-day tensions related to the global economy , inflation and uncertainty . The Future : Leaders must run a race to stay ahead of long-term threats to their companies , society and the planet as a whole . Finding Balance : Leaders must perform a delicate balancing act to deliver on both challenges .

The Present

It is always tempting to let the prevailing mindset of the majority impact our biases when making critical decisions . A little over a year ago , optimism was high :

46 PULSE ⁿ APRIL 2023