Vision in futures

A vision is a compelling image of the preferred future that sets out a group’s or organization’s highest aspirations in clear, powerful, confident language. It is the future we are committed to creating, and our values put into the image of the future we want and will commit to. Vision as a futures tool is about creating. Vision is the preferred future, it is the picture of one’s values translated into the future and made real. Vision is more than an idea. For a vision to truly be a force, it must: Be legitimate Be shared Express people’s highest aspirations for what they want to create in the world Stretch beyond the limits of current realities Conceivably be achievable within a specific time frame Types of vision statements

TYPE OF VISION STATEMENT	Psychological Emphasis (Based on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
STATEMENT OF IDENTITY	Introversion, intuition, feeling, focus on state of being
STATEMENT OF VALUES	Introversion, feeling, focus on state of being
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED FUTURE	Extroversion, intuition, thinking and feeling, focus on creating in the world

Vision deals with the ultimate questions facing every individual, group and organization—questions about purpose, meaning, direction, and reasons for existence. The potential components for the vision session include: 1. Understanding potential futures (considering trends and scenarios, in relation to the organization’s or community’s history), 2. Getting into “aspiring space” (often by using a “legacy exercise” that leads to reflection on values, success, and what the person would be proud of). 3. Developing a shared vision, Developing audacious goals and Identifying next steps. The use of vision is one of three interrelated phases to the futuring process: 1) Environmental Assessment and Scenario Development, 2) Visioning to Clarify Aspirations and Identity, and 3) Strategic Analysis. Strengths and Weaknesses. The strengths and weaknesses of vision are tied directly to the commitment and buy-in of the organization. A well executed vision in the hands of a committed organization can have tremendous power. Well-executed visions integrated into the strategic planning process of an organization have the following strengths: 1. Helps organizations plan “from the future” by defining the world the organization wishes to create. 2. Connects the organization to its long-term preferred future, creating strategic plans that connect to the values of the organization. 3. Invites participants to explore an organization’s “heart” first by re-introducing the participants to the organization’s essential characteristics before moving into decision-making. 4. Ensures that specific goals are driven by the organization’s values and guiding principles. 5. Opens up futures conversations to preferred futures and stimulates people to create a future they prefer. 6. Emphasizes stakeholder participation and empowerment.