Name
Masterclass 2: Introduction to Futures Thinking
Date
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Time
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Description

In a world of constant change and uncertainty sometimes organizational leaders find it hard to look too far ahead. Knowing that we cannot predict the future, is it worth trying? Yes. Absolutely yes. Defining your desired future in the context of our changing world is a key step in defining and refining organizational strategy. By considering key aspects of change, organizational leaders can not only visualize their preferred future, but they can also put plans in place to help make that future a reality.    In this workshop we introduce key concepts of strategic foresight and explore tools for bringing this way of thinking to your organization. We will explain the benefits of futures thinking, introduce participants to foresight exercises, and use those exercises to begin to explore how key drivers of change may impact your work over the coming years. This workshop will stretch your thinking, help you begin to look beyond your current horizons to envision a future that looks dramatically different than the present, and guide you to imagine your work within that context. You will also be equipped with key concepts and a starter set of activities to help you introduce futures thinking to others in your organization.   
 

How does this session align with the conference theme "Strategy in a 'Right Now' World" and topic areas
This session counters the notion that strategy should become more short term because of the pace of change in our world. Yes, objectives and actions may need to become more short term and be reviewed often, but the direction of the organization – whether you call that strategy, vision, or mission – must remain grounded in long term thinking. This workshop reinforces the idea that organizations have agency in creating the future and that by considering it they will not only be able to influence it, but also be more prepared as change happens around them.