Expected outcome
Tool for mid-term and long term strategic planning. If meditation or visualization is used to bring the group to the future scenario, this dynamic should be led by an expert person to hold the emotions that can emerge.
45 to 90 minutes max
Big wall, table or paper roll. Crayons, sticky-notes of different colours and sizes. As many pens as there are participants.
John B. Robinson from the University of Waterloo
For additional information :
https://www.naturalstep.ca/backcasting
The group envisions an ideal desired scenario (or more than one) and sets it in the future. Looking back from this future reality, ask the group to answer the question: What needs to happen and when, to reach the ideal outcome from the present situation? You can use additional questions to help the group look back into the past and see how each step was achieved.. Plan actions based on assumptions by using sticky-notes on the long board or infinite paper with the time marks. Set the milestones. When you use multiple future scenarios, you do separate exercises for each one of them. By using this method it will become clearer which scenario is more appropriate for your group.
Create a timeline on an infinite paper roll or use a large wall or table. You can use years, months or weeks as units, depending on how long term your plans are and how detailed a plan you wish to create. Define the desired outcome and set it in the future. Describe it as much as possible in detail. You can draw it to boost the imagination and creativity of the group. The facilitator asks the group the questions that were prepared in advance. The members of the group use sticky-notes to write their ideas and suggestions, and place them in the correct time slot on the timeline. Ideally you do this part in silence or with a music background.
Analyse the results and use them to create detailed strategic plans.You can use sticky-notes of different colours or shapes for differentiation of topics in the plan.
Feel free to contact us and share your own tools!