Future Workshops

The purpose of these groups is to gather different kinds of groups around a joint subject or matter or to find a subject to gather round and work more with. The result should be concrete action plans that is implemented in their own context. The process is future workshops is that groups are gatherer around a common theme in three different phases. In the first phase, the critique phase, problems and difficulties that hinders the possibilities for a positive future are explored and made visible. In the fantasy phase, personal visions as well as common visions are created for the future. In the implementation phase concrete plans are decided upon.

A future workshop is a method for participative organisational development that has been used with success within systems development. In a future workshop, the future users of stakeholders are encouraged to make clear their mutual problem in their current situation, create visions of the future and to discuss how the vision can be realised during a short period of time. During this work, the three phases critique, fantasy and implementation is carried out.

- The critique phase is a brainstorming around problem with the current situation and work processes. The contribution is formulated in short, critical observations or statements.

- The fantasy phase is devoted to unprejudiced ideas about how the work situation could be. In this phase, the critique from the first phase can be reformulated to positive ideas and suggestions. Each idea is valued and is further developed in small groups. In this phase, use of metaphors is recommended.

- The implementation phase starts with each group presenting their vision. In a mutual discussion the opportunities to realise the vision is valued. This includes to define that conditions that needs to be changed to be able to realise the vision. As a closure a plan for the future work is defined, what needs to be done, who should do what and so forth.

Within systems development, future workshops are mainly used as a way to start a change process among the future users.