faq

You might have asked yourselves ...

 

Why would we want to explore or envision the future?

Our clients come to us driven by a variety of questions or (sometimes latent) needs. Some are simply looking to broaden their horizon, to be inspired about what the future might bring in terms of changes, developments, threats and opportunities. They which to get a feeling of what that might mean for their business or policy. Often organizations know they need to innovate but hardly have an idea in which direction it is wise to do so. Exploring possible futures helps to inspire such innovation paths and distill arguments in choosing between them. Sometimes they want to know whether currently successful strategies will also guarantee future success. In such a context, future scenarios can serve as test-tunnels for success. Many organizations also have a feeling that too much of their attention is focussed on the present, leading to worries about unpleasant surprises the future might bring and for which they might not be prepared. Exploring futures helps to anticipate and curb the mindset of the personnel from a reactive to a proactive stance. Some have a vision on the future they wish to create yet have no idea how to make sure it takes root in the minds of their people. So we basically help them 'to sell the future'. Need more ammo? Check out this video or drop us a line.

So you look into your crystal ball and predict our future?

Now that would hardly be any fun, would it? We do not predict. The future holds few certainties and not all uncertainties can be modelled, yet that does not mean you need to let it wash over you. We can help you get a grip on uncertainties by assessing them methodically. We can raise awareness about what the future might bring, which different situations it might lead to, what each of them might mean for your organization and its products/services/policies and help you anticipate those changes, formulate your own vision and move to action.

We are real number crunchers, how much data will you feed us?

Where we can, we back up our future assessments with data. Nevertheless, most data and statistics are about today's or yesterday's world. For a lot of future issues, developments or signals little to no data is available or they are of a qualitative nature making them hard to quantify. This is exactly where and why a lot of clients turn to us, i.e. to help them get a grip on the future even when data is lacking. After all, not having data about a certain subject should not be an excuse not to discuss it or take it into account when assessing the future. 

Why look into the future if we have problems that need tackling today?

You want to have yesterday's solutions tomorrow? We do not think so either. We all know that choices we make today will shape our future, yet too few of us realize that the way we see the future shapes our choices today as well. Assessing the future can help you put today's challenges in perspective and provide valid arguments for your choices beyond those of yesterday or today.

What do you need from us, aside from paying our bills in time?

Well, to be honest, not all that much: mostly time, patience and openness. Since a lot of expertise is often embedded within an organization, we like to meet with your in-house gurus (they are likely to extend beyond the management) and bring them around the table to share their expertise, perspectives, imaginative and transformative power. Why patience when you are in a hurry or driven to make a change asap? Experience shows that many clients tend to move in for the kill to soon, they tend to want to go for action and forget to take the necessary time and mindspace to analyze, share and prepare for the future. Patience is a timeless virtue. We not only like but also need our clients to have an open mindset. Different viewpoints enrich the quality of assessment of the future and visioning. Moreover, you are unlikely to be an island, stakeholders in your activities now and those in the future will always be stakeholders in your success or failure. Opening up to them or involving them in envisioning your future requires courage and perseverence, yet when opted for it also empowers successful transformation. Furthermore, exploring and envisioning the future is and should be an adventure, therefore it ought to be a unique experience, unlike your average project. 

Do you also organize events and do catering?

As far as setting the stage for future exploration and envisioning is concerned, we welcome the challenge to think along on how to create a unique experience. However, when it comes to put the stamps on the invitation envelopes, arrange sound and lighting, cook your molecular food and draft a welcoming team, we kindly refer you to some of the real experts in the field. 

We can use our internal meeting rooms, can't we?

Well, perhaps you can show us around? We have seen some absolutely fantastic facilities but also some less suited for the kind of interactive sessions we tend to organize. No windows, no natural light, no air, no view, no flexible table-settings ... are all killers we like to avoid. No stress, we can always help you out to find the perfect setting for 

We have heard you are great facilitators, would you facilitate our brainstorming session or moderate our panel?

Although we are flattered, it actually depends ... After all we are future explorers so the future would need to be a core focus in your event. And we do like to bring our own content to the table as well. Last but not least, although it might seem like 'just another subject', the future actually has a few characteristics that require a more subtle or customized approach. As such, we like to think along with you on how to make the best of your programme.

We are afraid we do not have (all) the in-house knowledge or people required to explore the future in a decent way. Now what?

No worries, we have access to a diverse network of people in various fields and knowledge domains that we can invite to join in on your exploration or visioning journey at the right moment. After analyzing the blind spots, we handpick them in order to assure their added value exceeds their added cost. Should you wish, we can also train your CFuO (Chief Futures Officer) and/or his/her team.