Future Search

Future Search is a useful technique in times when a given community has a strong need for action, change, cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders. This might be a conflict situation, uncertainty or a complex issue where the input of all stakeholders is needed.

Future Search fosters mutual learning between the participants, it triggers voluntary action, follow up and new ways of collaboration. One of the main advantages of this kind of meeting is that it brings together people who otherwise would not have the chance to discuss together. With its strong focus on the common ground among the diversity of participants, Future Search manages to identify and appreciate shared values, therefore allows for developing collective implementation strategies. ^[1]

See also: Open Space Technology, After Action Review (AAR), 6 Thinking Hats, Facilitator

Key elements

• The more diverse the group, the more successful the gathering will be: get the whole system in the room, make sure that all the key actors are present
• Think globally, act locally: discuss all aspects of the system before you seek fixing any part of it
• Establish a common ground and keep the focus on it throughout the whole event
• Make sure participants understand that they need to manage and take responsibility for their actions before, during and after the future search
• Allow enough time for the information to sink it, make the event last at least 3 days
• Discourage part-time participation
• Make sure that the diversity and the clashing nature of perspectives is acknowledged and accepted during the event
• Accept the ups and downs in the atmosphere: there will be frustration and challenges, as well as feelings of success and accomplishments

Facilitator's Role

• Hands-off approach: participants manage and take responsibility their actions
• Clarifies of goals and explaining tasks
• Promotes a cooperative atmosphere
• Helps participants self-organize
• Avoids suggesting solutions
• Overviews the process
• Remains passive when participants are working well together
• Gets active when there is a conflict or avoidance of fulfilling the tasks
• Follows-up and supports action-groups
• Uses visual facilitation tools, such as mind maps

Step by Step

1. Focus on the Past (Mixed Groups): Participants discuss the past; point out milestones, list successes and failures as well as challenges. They find shared elements and events in the past and establish their common ground.
2. Focus on the Present (Stakeholder Groups): Participants explore the trends which influence their lives, discuss concerns and set up priorities.
3. Create Ideal Future Scenarios (Mixed Groups):In groups, stakeholders imagine their future in 5, 10 and 20 years. They envision their possible successes, barriers and challenges.
4. Identify and Confirm Common Ground (Whole group): All participants come together, share, and develop an idea for the common future by discussing shared obstacles, unresolved issues, future projects and how to get there.
5. Make Action Plans (Stakeholder or Self-Selected Groups): After personal reflections where each individual contemplates their role and their tasks for the future, they get together with others who have similar goals and passions in order to create action plans for the future. Experience has shown that these groups tend to continue working together in the future as well.

Job Aid

Guidelines for Implementing Future Search