Futures Literacy

The Professional Development Skill we are Missing

The Urgency of Futures Thinking

If we do not understand the alphabet or the language of a country or a field, then we cannot communicate clearly in that space. We are unable to read the signs, hear the warnings, see the opportunities. We are illiterate and vulnerable.

Futures Literacy gives you those building blocks to start to read the future so that you can use the models to make substantial plans to craft your preferred future.

People have a blind spot about the future, or intentionally ignore developments when they feel threatened. Charlotte Kemp

We learn from mistakes in the past, only if we pay attention to them. Charlotte Kemp

The future is plural, not singular. It’s not about science fiction, multiple or parallel universes. Since the future has not yet arrived, it still has the potential to be expressed in so many different ways. Charlotte Kemp

We create our futures from our imagination, from our thoughts, experiences, hopes and fears. What we imagine and then focus on will be the direction we point our futures towards. Charlotte Kemp

We anticipate the future. We regard certain outcomes as more or less probable. Much of our future is based on what we anticipate it to be. Charlotte Kemp

When people think of futurists, our minds often go straight to the idea of trends, but futures thinking is so much more than only this one element. Charlotte Kemp

The pace of change is so rapid that headlines often feel like they are futurist when in fact they are demonstrating our current reality. Charlotte Kemp

When we use scenarios in futures thinking, we create an imagined setting for the world and then explore what that might mean for our business. or area of concern. Charlotte Kemp

Futures Literacy is the skill and competence to read signs about what is coming ... and to craft a strategy to respond to futures scenarios. Charlotte Kemp

We need to learn the ABCs, some terminology and some basic assumptions if we want to have a sensible conversation about the future. Charlotte Kemp

Suddenly every leader is tasked with imaging potential futures for their organisations, ... in a space filled with conjecture, changing timelines, screaming headlines, fear, uncertainty and rampant anxiety. Charlotte Kemp

We are all natural futurists, but we can become better, more intentional and conscious futurists by starting to learn the language of futures thinking. Charlotte Kemp

What's next? Ask questions Begin to scan Create new opportunities Charlotte Kemp

Where do we find Futures Thinking as an essential mindset? History, Mathematics, Literature, Business, Education, Science, Art, Politics, Business Charlotte Kemp

If we base decisions on a fad or an event instead of a longer lasting trend then you will rely on something that is unlikely to exist in the future. Charlotte Kemp

The 'best we can do now' will be insufficient if we do not consider potential variables of the future. Charlotte Kemp

We must develop a mindset that allows us to consider the unthinkable, plan for the impossible and invest in the intangibles. Charlotte Kemp

Understand Time

To read the future, we must have an understanding of the past and a respect for time.

Learn the Characteristics of the Future

Both Inbound and Outbound drivers influence the future, which can be defined as Possible, Plausible, Preferable and more.

Get a handle on change

Understanding how change happens, how we respond to it and how to work with change, is essential to embracing the future.

Visioning

If we don’t know what we want from the future, it is very difficult to plan towards it and impossible to invite others into it.

Content

This message is available as a keynote too. It is perfect for introducing new futures conversations, initiating change in an organsiation and for professional development of key personnel such as

Leaders and board members
Business owners
Innovators and change agents
HR
Marketing, sales and product development
Policy champions and lobbyists

The book is also available to be co-branded (in print or virtual) for a conference or sponsor and to include additional contributions from the client.