Thinking
Reflections, observations, resources, fragments, and other notes from my work in futures and facilitation.
Used futures and the illusion of inevitability
Used futures are seductive because they feel inevitable. The term “used futures” refers to the backward-looking insights and ideas of possible futures loaded down with the baggage of past experiences.
Storytelling as a facilitation practice
A little while ago, I wrote about the problems that arise when futures work becomes theatre. When I tell people that a great deal of my work in futures (and elsewhere) is about storytelling, many often assume that there must be some theatrical aspect to this. But they're wrong.
Participants as creators in facilitated futures sessions
One of the most persistent mistakes in futures and foresight work is treating participants as audiences, who are expected to consume expert input, trend decks, and scenarios prepared elsewhere.
When futures work becomes theatre
I’ve been in futures workshops that looked impressive from the outside. There were beautifully designed slides. Sophisticated frameworks. Post-its covering every wall. People left energised, saying it was “inspiring” or “eye-opening”. And then: nothing really changed.
Why walks bring hope to the surface (without tipping into optimism)
I use walks as a futures method because they tend to surface hope, but not the kind that relies on reassurance or positive thinking.
What “spiky” means in futures facilitation
Wes Kao wrote a piece about“spiky points of view”, and it got me wondering what a spiky point of view might be in futures facilitation.
Sitting with uncertainty longer than feels comfortable
One of the hardest parts of facilitating futures work is knowing when not to move the group on.
A thought about used futures
Many futures conversations fail not because people lack imagination, but because they’re trapped in “used futures”.
Never surrender a good question
Jane Hirshfield tells a story about a man who travels far to ask a wise teacher a question. When he finally asks it, the teacher slaps him. The lesson, his students explain later, is simple: never surrender a good question for a mere answer.
Place vs space
Place and space are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but in human geography, these terms mean different things.
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