See Madelyn’s bio, photo, and Part 1 of this Q&A, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Q&A with Madelyn Blair (Questions 9, 10, and 11):

Q: On your Pelerei Web site and also in your chapter in Wake Me When the Data’s Over, you discuss the “future story.” What are some of the most significant guidelines for gleaning strategy from a future story?

A: Let’s assume that what you mean is that the future story is the strategic direction that calls for defining specific strategies in order to get there. Thus, gleaning strategy from a future story is how to define the specific strategies.

From my experience with groups, the most important thing is to create a future story that resonates with the group. As they read it or tell it, it becomes a part of them. As it becomes a part of them, they begin to ‘embody’ the story. If and when this happens, the means to achieve the story begin to happen. In the words of Aristotle, “A vivid imagination compels the whole body to obey it.” In an organization, this kind of self-energized action does call for some coordination. In my experience, the best way is to allow the group (who created the future story) to begin defining the actions needed directly. Their interest and excitement in the story tends to energize their imaginations as well, and actions are identified fairly quickly. Critical to achievement of the future story is to revisit the planned actions to assure that they are still the best given that the world doesn’t stand still while you implement. Some would say that this is not strategy, but indeed it is. And allowing it to be refined over time allows it to respond to the emergent (some might even say resultant) world in which the group finds itself.

Q: You discuss the future story’s use for organizations, but do you believe it can also be effective for individuals? For example, if an individual wants to change careers or advance in his/her career, could crafting a future story work just as effectively for the individual as it does for organizations?

big>A: A future story can be used most definitely by an individual. In fact, I have used this in my coaching work with individuals. Moreover, I have used it in the work I do on keeping current. A great future story truly energizes the person to actually be the embodiment of the story. For example, on a trip I took about 2 years ago, I decided that my story was that it was an adventure. I was visiting several places I had never been before, and I was traveling alone. As I told myself the story of the trip being an adventure, every glitch (and there were several) ended in laughter and eventually, success. It was a wonderful adventure. The body follows what the mind is thinking, so think a great story.

Q: On your Web site, you ask: “What keeps you up at night?” What keeps YOU up at night?

A: Actually, at this stage of my career, very little keeps me up at night.