Critical Uncertainties
Critical Uncertainties is a strategic planning method that helps groups explore the impact of unpredictable factors on their operations. By surfacing critical uncertainties, participants can develop strategies that enhance their resilience and adaptability to future challenges.
How to run it
- 1
Invite participants to list uncertainties in their operating environment.
- 2
Prioritize the most critical factors that threaten successful operations.
- 3
Select two key uncertainties and create a grid with these as axes.
- 4
Divide participants into groups, each tasked with developing a scenario for one quadrant.
- 5
Groups brainstorm strategies for thriving in their assigned scenarios.
- 6
Share scenarios and strategies, identifying robust and hedging strategies.
- 7
Debrief using 'What, So What, Now What?' to decide on actionable steps.
Tips
Encourage creativity in naming scenarios to make the exercise engaging.
Use short cycles of group discussions to maintain energy.
Post-it notes can assist in organizing and reshuffling ideas effectively.
Variations
This method can be extended into a comprehensive scenario-planning initiative. Consider dramatizing scenarios with role-play to visualize the impact of strategies.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Critical Uncertainties?â–¾
Use Critical Uncertainties when you want to: Developing a strategic vision for a decade-long plan.; Preparing IT leaders for regional implementation challenges.; Shaping health-care reform strategies at a national level..
How long does Critical Uncertainties take?â–¾
Critical Uncertainties typically takes 100 minutes.
How many participants does Critical Uncertainties work for?â–¾
Critical Uncertainties works best for groups of 4 or more.
What materials do I need for Critical Uncertainties?â–¾
To run Critical Uncertainties you will need: Paper, Post-it notes, Flip charts.
How difficult is Critical Uncertainties to facilitate?â–¾
Critical Uncertainties is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Liberating Structures. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.