About
About Futures Think
Hello. Futures Think is a blog about doing futures work in organisations – thinking about possible futures today to develop strategy that is futures ready. Most of the organisations I work with are in the education field, so I blog about issues relevant to futures and education too.
The title Futures Think is another version of my business name, Thinking Futures. The reason for the variation on the them is to keep reminding us that we need to think about possible futures today in order to be able to develop strategy that helps us be ready for whatever the future brings.
Why Think About the Future?
Most strategic planning processes follow a formula that has worked pretty well in the past, but in times of increasing uncertainty and complexity, we need to focus on strategic thinking before we start writing plans.
Strategic plans are the documented actions we have agreed to take to implement strategy. The quality of the plan and the degree to which it will be implemented successfully relates directly to the quality of the thinking that informs the plan.
Strategy is about the future – where we want our organisations to go. If we don’t spend time today thinking about possible futures for our organisations, we will essentially ‘bet the farm’ on a single, linear strategy that assumes tomorrow will be like today, and which won’t stand up to the challenges the external environment throws at us every day.
Futures Think aims to provide you with information and ideas about how to use futures approaches in your organisation.
About Thinking Futures
I set up Thinking Futures in 2008 to work with people in educational organisations and professional associations to develop futures ready strategy and write useful strategic plans. Check out the website for more information about what I do, and for a ton of free resources to explore and download.
Maree Conway
Melbourne, Australia
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Maree,
I appreciate what you’re doing with your blog. Please check out Art of the Future. You’re more consistent in your blogging entries than we, but I think you’ll like the range of material we’ve put up.
Art of the Future integrates systems thinking and scenario planning in the service of progressive leadership with a particular focus on designing life sustaining work environments.
Best,
Michael
P.S. Do you know my friends Richard Neville and Richard Slaughter? If so, please give them my best regards.
Hi Michael
Thanks for the nice words about the blog. I’ve had a look at Art of the Future and like the structural dynamics approach – very clear. I’ve signed up for your newsletter. I do know both Richards, but more so Richard Slaughter. I’ll send your regards next time I see him.
Cheers
Maree