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Process Overview
– step 1  
– step 2  
– step 3  
– step 4  
– step 5  
– step 6  
– step 7  
Interventions  
– Open Space   
– Future Search    Conferences  
– Appreciative Inquiry   
– Shared Visioning  
– Balanced Scorecard  
– Open Forum and Cafes  
– Other Large Scale    Methodologies  
   

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:

(1)

Reviewing the past

(2)

Exploring the present – current trends and developments and prouds and sorries

(3)

Creating ideal future scenarios

(4)

Identifying common ground on the future

(5)

Making action plans





 
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