What is it?
It is a set of terms that are used to better talk about futures. To highlight their application and differences we mapped them on a timeline: past, present and future.
Why is it important?
Especially when we move from thinking about the future for ourselves – which itself can be quite challenging – to thinking about the future for or within bigger groups: we often realize that there is a lack of common understanding of what futures are, and what words are used to describe it. However the pandemic has shown, a general capacity of thinking and acting with possible futures in mind is vital. So, short and simply speaking: talking futures is hard. → Everyone uses different words, we get confused with timelines, so we suggest let's use future vocabulary.
How does it benefit my teamwork?
It helps a team to have better conversations about what was, what is, what could and what should be. So let’s sync your team's thoughts and identify blind spots.
Also, when pitching future strategies or ideas, the vocabulary helps to structure narratives and allows us to ask for specific feedback on assumptions regarding the past, the present and the future.
