Timeline Training

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Future Search

Future Search enables people to act together on common ground no matter how they differ in status, specialty, education, job, gender, race, and ethnicity. The more diverse the group, the more successful the meeting. By applying Future Search Principles, people do in a few days what once took months, years or was simply unthinkable. Outputs include ideal futures, short and long range plans, problem solving, partnerships, new leadership patterns, increased personal competence and high commitment to action and accountability.

This meeting is powerful in showing diverse groups that they share the same needs and that they are dependent on each other to function effectively. It can unlock creativity and energy. This facilitated process breaks down silos and barriers between different functions and people. Every individual in the room has a voice and is encouraged to express differences so that everyone knows where they stand. Instead of trying to invite a third party to help resolve the conflict and negotiate differences, participants put energy into finding a solid common ground that everyone can stand on.

PLANNING A FUTURE SEARCH MEETING. The foundation for success in any Future Search is the work of the planning team of 8 to 10 stakeholders. Under the guidance of the planning team leader or certified Future Search facilitator, Alice Dendinger, the planning team selects participants (stakeholders), refines the task to be accomplished, sets the date, location, coordination, and follows an overall checklist for success.

A diverse group 60 to 70 or more people builds a shared portrait of their past, present and desired future, confirms their common ground and plans action together. What makes Future Search so effective is a full exploration of "the whole elephant" before acting on any part of it. Future Search encourages task-focused cooperation by treating problems and conflicts as vital information, not action agendas. Instead of trying to change each other, participants change the conditions under which they interact and discover new ways of working together.

Future Search Principles

● Get the "whole system” in the room. Experience the whole before acting on any part of it.

● Focus on the future and common ground, not problems and conflicts.

● Self manage learning and action planning.

Typical Outcomes

● High buy-in and implementation for action commitments.

● Gives people process tools that can be used in daily group activities.

● Identifies common ground and releases people from polarization around differences.

● Provides a strong common vision that can act as a focus for continued planning activities.

Future Search represents a dynamic new planning strategy. Hundreds of corporations and communities are creating a portrait of an ideal future, discovering common ground, and choosing new forms of action through the Future Search method. Join the growing number of success stories by contacting the Alice Dendinger Alliance Group to get your Future Search started.

Timeline Training

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