Strategic ImaginationHow to Work Back from the Future
Most strategy starts from today and calls the next small step "the future." This flips it. Picture a future that's actually different, then trace the path back to today, and see who & what has to move along the way.
The shape of the work
Today
The future
1
See the present
Stick up the habits pushing you toward today's future.
2
Imagine otherwise
Map everyone's visions as a constellation, joined by shared values.
3
Walk it back
Lay the path on a timeline, mark turning points, and map the relationships it needs.
Four words you'll see
Imaginary
The picture of the future your decisions already serve, said out loud or not.
Groove
A worn habit that pushes you toward one future without anyone choosing it.
Constellation
Several futures held at once, joined by values rather than details.
Direction
A compass, not a GPS pin. Specific enough to act on, loose enough to adapt.