By Gerrit de Vries, Chiwei Luu, Marjolein Kok
This question was raised several times by Perspectivity facilitator Han Rakels during the Future Search training that iCRA organised together with Perspectivity in late 2023.
Future Search is a philosophy and methodology in the form of a dynamic working conference. It is a facilitated inquisitive process, where around 60 people work together on common objectives and action plans. It is a 2,5 days process in which several steps are followed and participants move from one step to the other. Therefore, the regular question: ‘Are you ready to move on?’
Future Search is a co-creative process that results in shared ambitions and plans, that all stakeholders feel ownership of. It is used to jointly realise breakthroughs and initiate transformations. Future Search is used worldwide in a variety of sectors.
Future Search is based on four principles:
-
- The whole system in the room
- Think global, act local
- Focus on the future and common ground
- Self-management and responsibility for action
The goal of the 3-day learning event was to actively practice the Future Search process. The training was followed by the whole iCRA team, people from partnering organizations, as well as some of us, Perspectivity facilitators Amir Nazar, Marjolein Kok, Chiwei Luu, Gerrit de Vries, and our intern Vera Pollmann. This large variety of participants worked on the by the group chosen case study of analysing the issue of water management in smallholder rice farming in Tanzania.
Future Search training reflections
Chiwei reflects:
‘Practicing and using the Future Search principles enhanced our learning as we took on both the roles of ‘active participant’ and ‘reflective facilitator’, and as such doubling our learning. The approach’s structured process of going through the past, present and future together to create a shared understanding and build common ground, is a wonderful way to find alignment and foster better communication. It creates a space to share thoughts, be heard, and even allows space for tensions. Actually, especially for tensions, there is wisdom for the collective. This is a lesson I will take with me, allow tensions, but also search for them: ‘what do you need to move on?’ is a question that stuck with me, and I definitely see myself using in the future.
Marjolein adds:
‘I had the pleasure to join a real Future Search in Kenya a few years ago, but partaking in this training deepened insights and was an enjoyable experience. I remain enthusiastic about the method. It brings so much to complex processes by working towards common ground, shared solutions and ownership from a whole systems approach. Meanwhile it’s fun as it includes various work methods and space to be creative. I also learned it’s ok when participants are in denial or confused. Tensions offer space and ground for change.’
Gerrit likes the Are In principle:
‘I am a strong believer that every voice matters in partnerships. That’s why I like the Are In principle: the group needs to be composed of people with Authority (decision-making power), Resources, Expertise, Information, and Needs. This includes diverse groups such as smallholder rice farmers, government staff, civil society organisations, private sector and many others. It is fantastic to undergo how such a 2,5-day process succeeds in giving voice to all these groups in the search for a common ground.’
Want to know more about Future Search? Read more here!
Interested in a Future Search training? Contact us: info@perspectivity.org