Scenario planning
Find clarity and clear direction in times of uncertainty
Scenario planning is a well-established strategic practice that has been refined over more than half a century. Used well, scenario planning builds shared understanding, surfaces assumptions, and identifies strategic options that are robust across a range of possible future environments.
Its real value lies not in the scenarios themselves, but in the quality of the conversations, the breadth of thinking and improved preparedness they stimulate across leadership group.
The answers are rarely obvious
Boards and executive teams are constantly grappling with short term and long term uncertainties. They are often under pressure from stakeholders to provide “the answer” even when doing so is impossible. Rather than develop a flawed strategy for a single preferred future, smart leaders use scenario planning to develop a range of strategic options so they can be more prepared and more agile, regardless of what the future brings.
Scenario planning is used by organisations as part of their long term strategic planning cycle and is also used to explore the complexity and ambiguity around challenges such as
- Regulatory change
- Major contacts
- Significant investments
- M&A activity
- Technology, social and consumer shifts.
Scenarios are a strategic sandbox
The power of scenarios lies in the ability to give leaders a strategic sandbox to test their thinking in. They provide a structured space of diverse yet possible futures in which leaders can safely explore the uncertainties they collectively face. Through facilitated workshops leaders use the scenarios to challenge assumptions, stress-test existing strategies and identify new opportunities.
Rather than focusing on polished reports or extensive slide decks, Simon’s approach emphasises the clarity that comes through the clients active participation in the scenario development process and breadth and depth of conversations they stimulate.
Key elements of Simon’s approach include:
- Working with business storytellers and other creatives to develop powerful and immersive future narratives
- Using scenarios to address challenging ideas in an open and non-confrontational way
- Involving leaders directly in the scenario development process to build capability
- Encouraging broad engagement with the scenarios across the organisation to maximise impact
How Simon works with organisations
Scenario planning is most effective when it is facilitated, not outsourced and as an established keynote speaker and facilitator Simon has a unique ability to engage participants in the scenario process.
Working closely with CEOs and senior executives, Simon designs and facilitates scenario projects that are proportionate, practical, and directly connected to the strategic challenges an organisation is facing.
Although delivered as a stand alone offering scenario planning is often the starting point for longer-term strategic work to address complex decision making requirements and capability uplift through Strategy Partnerships.
Case Studies
My community library ltd (myli)
My Community Library Ltd (Myli) was facing significant changes to its structure and operating model. A shift away from council funding to a self-funded not-for-profit operating model provides the opportunity to expand services and geography but may also bring new challenges and new competitors.
From the moment we mind mashed I felt the energy and ideas coming to life. Your mentorship and experience allowed the event to land for the audience and your keynote and facilitation were both awesome. Gold plated work!
Courtney Smith
Event Owner, Forge Summit
Working with Simon was a wonderful experience. He gained trust and built rapport with our leadership team very quickly and his knowledge and process had us all deeply engaged. The outcome was also very powerful in reinforcing our future direction and the possible additional actions we need to be ready to take.
James Woodyatt
Managing Director, CDK Stone
The Scenario Planning Guide is great and even for someone who’s been doing scenarios for years, it prompted some serious thinking. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the way you’ve made complex concepts accessible. I love the models and the layout. The whole book is exceptional!
Alex Hagan
Futurist
Simon thanks for your work, your sessions exceeded my expectations. These are incredibly useful structures and processes.
Tony Hallam
Director Zoos Victoria
Working with Simon is an incredibly enlightening and rewarding experience. His foresight and ability to distil complex information into an engaging story that resonates with the audience is exceptional. Every conversation with Simon takes you on a journey that has many forks in the road and it’s this skill that challenges and develops our strategic thinking. I highly recommend Simon Waller to any organisation.
Leanne Williams
CEO – My Community Library
The energy that Simon brings is infectious, and the different tools he used to get people to think strategically and understand the scenario development process meant that everyone could contribute.
Laura Jo Mellan
Director, Maribyrnong City Council
Simon did a brilliant job of finding the balance between challenging and reassuring us, enabling us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable – to rise to the task of leadership in times of high uncertainty.
Angela Savage
CEO, Public Libraries Victoria
I would happily recommend Simon if you are looking for someone who will encourage you to expand your imagination, to get you thinking on another level, to consider new ideas, to think outside the box. Simon is engaging, interactive, and challenges your way of thinking. He is professional and creative, down-to-earth, and a likeable character who will help you get to where you need to be.
Annemarie Mccabe
Chair, My Community Library
Mayor, Baw Baw Shire Council
Mayor, Baw Baw Shire Council
Scenario Planning Workshop
All my workshops are tailored to the unique requirements of each client. As part of the design phase, I will work with you to understand your current situation and the strategic challenges you need to address.
To arrange a time to talk, please fill in the form below. Alternatively, you can reach out on 1300 66 55 85 (within Australia).
