Future Search, 3rd Edition

CHAPTER 11Riding the Roller Coaster

People sometimes report information overload and confusion in early sessions. Nearly always this is a prelude to clarity, hope, and intention. Don’t burden yourself by assuming that you have the skill to make a complex world transparent. Your task is working with what is until people find their center. Since 2000 we have noticed a growing willingness worldwide to face complexity without giving way to despair. For years we have used the metaphor of the roller coaster to describe the potential ups and downs of productive meetings. These are common patterns that may not occur every time. Watch what actually happens and respond appropriately. The dynamic possibilities can be visualized like this:

Getting aboard. ...