|
Creating a Shared Vision through a Future Search
 Future Search is workshop process created by Sandra Janoff and Marvin Weisbord
designed to develop a common understanding about current reality and a collaboratively
developed shared vision and strategy. It is a very effective and efficient strategic
development tools, which is based on bringing a representative group of “the
whole system” into a room together. This is achieved by first gathering
a representative group of stakeholders (generally, up to 72 people) concerned
about the same issue into a 2 1/2 day workshop. External facilitators then lead
the group through a set of structured tasks ending up with a shared vision,
an action plan and committed implementation teams.
Applications may include:
Problem solving
Future search can be used to solve complex problems which cannot be solved
by one person alone or a small group alone. The problem concerned might be of
a nature where the competence of people with various backgrounds is needed or
where the implementation of the solution depends on the acceptance of a large
group.
The benefit of a future search in problem solving is that people get out
of their role as a victim blaming outer circumstances for their problems. Instead
they take responsibility for themselves and the whole system and start shaping
their own future.
Strategic Planning
Developing a new strategy for example for fusions and joint-ventures. At
the end of the 2 ½ day process you will end up with the outline of an
action plan.
Change Management
Future Search is a tool for rapid economic and social change.
By mobilizing motivation, communication and learning future search improves
corporate culture and resulting a cultural change and paradigm shift.
While traditional change processes often take many months or years, future
search generates a measurable outcome in only 2-3 days: a shared vision, a clear
definition of goals, an agreement on new projects, etc.
By meeting other stakeholders, sharing their experiences and expressing their
expectations they define common ground, get a fresh perspective, find new alternatives
and take joint action toward a desired future. The we-feeling is strengthened.
The process results in a learning experience: Participants learn more about
themselves, their own motives and reactions. They develop a better understanding
for each other and what really is going on in the organization / company. They
discover that they have choices in life and that their own values – for
example mutual respect and mutual support – and consequent actions control
the outcomes of their decisions.
Product and process innovation
By involving a large group of stake holders the competence and experience
of many people can be tapped for product and process innovation. Synergistic
effects evolve.
In the 7-step-process Future Search is recommended in steps II and IV.
In general, Future Search fits for a large number of target groups: companies,
agencies and institutions in the public sector, non-profit organization, associations,
schools.
The major areas covered in future search are:
|
