Session 1
The Learning Organization
March 7, 2016
Imaginal Training
Imaging the Future1
Page 1
Rational Objective: To create a series of
images of the future as a means of exploring
possible actions.
Existential Aim: To be excited of creating a
series of images of the future.
Step
Procedure
Notes
Context
We want to look at our individual images of the future and see if what
those images tell us. We will be using a technique used by Garth
Morgan in his book Imagination: The art of Creative Management.
“The Future”
should be a
more concrete
issue. In the
New Learning
Paradigm Mini
Conference, the
Issue was how
to create the
conditions in a
company in
which learning
takes place
without the need
for a training
department.
We will be using a lot of creativity and our own imagination for this
exercise. The exercise can be used in a number of ways. It can look
at any relationship, your style of teaching or managing, the
management team, clients, suppliers, etc.
M
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
1. Turn to page ____ in your workbook (see below). Look at the
images on the page (This might be supplemented with an
overhead sheet.)
2. I want you to think of the future, not some idealized utopia but one
you would really like to see. Think of any image that comes to
mind about that future.
3. I would like each of us to draw a picture about the future, as you
would like to see it. You do not need to be a great artist. We are
only interested in the ways you see the future.
4. Have everyone put up his or her image. We want to spend some
time reflecting on these images.
a. Have every one explain their image.
b. Do you have any questions to any of your colleagues about
what they put on the wall?
c. Which image struck you in some way? (From this question
on you might want to capture the answers on two flipcharts
one for elements and themes and one for future directions.)
d. Which images have elements in common?
e. What are some common themes in the images?
f. What are some unique elements?
g. What are we saying our hopes for the future are?
h. What do you hear us calling for?
Conclusion
See below
1This exercise was adapted from Imagination: The Art of Creative Management, pgs 22-39.
© f sd Monday 7 March 2016
Images of the future exercise at 106755485
Coehoornsingel 49, 9711 BN Groningen, The Netherlands, Tel./Fax. +31 (0)50 318 3032
Session 1
The Learning Organization
March 7, 2016
Imaginal Training
Imaging the Future
Page 2
Rational Objective: See above
Existential Aim: See above
Step
Procedure
Notes
Context
See above
M
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
5. Review the note taken on the two flipcharts. Ask for each
flipchart, What are additional items you would like to add?
6. We would like to now organize these into similar images of the
future. Give the first item on the first list a mark such as +. Ask,
What other items are the same kind of vision as this one? Give
the similar vision elements the same mark +.
7. Mark the next unmarked item with a different mark and repeat the
question.
8. Continue this process until all of the items are marked.
9. We now want to give each of the sets of marked items a name. I
would like use to give three word titles (This can be optional but I
find it useful in creating memorable titles.). The third word is a
noun and the object of the vision. The first two word are
adjectives so you end up with something like: Regular
Management Reviews or Anti-Drug Teen Posters.
10. Go through the list and have the group give titles. Put the titles on
a separate flipchart.
11. Here is what we say is the vision of this group … read the list of
names.
12. Are there any additions or changes that we should make?
Conclusion
Reflection
1. We want to take a look at the session. What is an activity we
have done?
2. What was fun?
3. What was less fun?
4. What have you learned?
5. What are the next steps for us?
There are
several
directions that
can be taken
now. If this is to
be simply a
conversation
about the future
the discussion
can be wrapped
up now. If it is to
be a more
substantial
workshop use
steps 5 on.
Thank the group and move to the next item on the agenda.
© f sd Monday 7 March 2016
Images of the future exercise at 106755485
Coehoornsingel 49, 9711 BN Groningen, The Netherlands, Tel./Fax. +31 (0)50 318 3032





©

 
 
© f sd Monday 7 March 2016
Images of the future exercise at 106755485
Coehoornsingel 49, 9711 BN Groningen, The Netherlands, Tel./Fax. +31 (0)50 318 3032