

N°079 - The Future Will Happen To You with Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith
Nov 8, 2023
"Future Cultures" authors Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith discuss integrating strategic futures thinking into organizations, emphasizing mapping current networks and cultivating diverse champions. Starting small with regular gatherings and writing future scenarios are recommended tactics. Their book provides a methodical guide for leadership to adopt prospective practices tailored to their existing culture. It emphasizes starting small, embedding foresight into operations, and building demand for innovation and resilience.
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Post-Workshop Isolation
- Workshop participants repeatedly asked Scott and Susan what to do after learning futures thinking tools.
- They felt isolated when returning to work environments that didn't share their new perspective.
Demand-Driven Futures
- Doing futures work is different than having demand for it.
- Generate demand by understanding organizational needs and pulling insights through existing structures, not just pushing new approaches.
Spread the Gospel
- Ensure futures practitioners can explain their work and gain buy-in across the organization.
- Give stakeholders opportunities to engage with the work so it doesn't become isolated.