20-Year Brand Roadmap
Projecting into the future: an exercise to stimulate strategic vision
Encourages long-term strategic thinking and collaboration through timeline forecasting.
GOAL
Stimulate long-term strategic thinking and create a shared vision of the project's future through a timeline forecasting exercise.
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Medium
Have you ever tried to imagine what your project will look like in five, ten, or even twenty years? It may seem like science fiction, but long-term planning is essential for the success of any initiative.
The timeline forecasting exercise is a practical and engaging tool for stimulating long-term strategic thinking.
How does it work?
The exercise is simple yet effective. It starts by creating a visual timeline, which can be a simple line drawn on a whiteboard or a sheet of paper. Different points in the future are marked on this line (e.g., 5, 10, 15, and 20 years).
At this point, each team member is invited to make predictions about the project's future. These predictions can relate to any aspect, from expected results to challenges to be faced. Each prediction is written on a post-it note and placed on the timeline at the corresponding point.
Subsequently, the predictions are shared and discussed collectively. Participants can vote on the predictions they consider most likely or interesting, and a decision-maker (e.g., the project manager) makes the final decision.
Why is it so effective?
Stimulates creativity: The exercise encourages thinking outside the box and imagining unexpected future scenarios.
Fosters collaboration: Sharing predictions and group discussion promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Aligns goals: Helps to clarify the project's long-term goals and align the actions of all team members.
Makes planning more fun: Turns an activity often perceived as boring into a creative and engaging experience.
The benefits of looking far ahead
Long-term planning offers numerous advantages:
Maintains focus: Having a clear vision of the future helps keep the team focused on long-term goals.
Anticipates challenges: By identifying potential obstacles in advance, it is possible to develop strategies to address them.
Stimulates innovation: Thinking about the future encourages seeking innovative solutions and exploring new opportunities.
The timeline forecasting exercise is a simple yet powerful way to stimulate strategic thinking and create a shared vision of the future. It is a valuable tool for any team that wants to achieve extraordinary results.
