The game "Message from the Future" aims to help teams develop a shared vision of their goals and mission. Teams that do not have a shared vision risk encountering difficulties when it comes to implementing their common mandate, as each member acts according to their own assumptions. This process helps avoid these issues by creating a collective vision from the start.
To begin, the team is divided into sub-groups of three to six participants. Each group receives a workspace, a flipchart, and markers. The facilitator then introduces the process, emphasizing that this method of vision creation might be different from those they have already experienced. Participants are invited to reflect on possible changes that could occur in the world over the next five years, covering areas such as global processes, consumer habits, and communication systems. After five minutes of reflection and sharing, the teams are ready to write a letter from the future.
Each team must imagine writing a letter from 5 years in the future addressed to a real or fictional person who has not heard from the team. This letter should have an opening, a body, and a conclusion, and answer specific questions such as: What has the team accomplished? What obstacles have been overcome? What is the impact of these accomplishments on the organization and its clients? The teams have about 25 minutes to write their letter.
Once the letters are completed, each team reads their letter aloud to the group. The other participants identify important themes from each letter, which the facilitator notes on a board. Then, the team members who wrote the letter share their impressions of the highlighted themes and whether they think any important themes were omitted.
Finally, a discussion is facilitated to integrate these common themes into a shared vision for the future. Participants prioritize the themes based on their importance and transform them into specific and realistic goals. A discussion on suitable strategies to turn this vision into reality concludes the process.
This game is particularly interesting in a team-building context as it encourages collective reflection and the development of a shared vision, which is essential for effective cooperation. By involving all members in the creation of this vision, everyone feels invested and aligned with the team's objectives. It also promotes a better understanding of challenges and opportunities, thereby strengthening the team's cohesion and commitment. The open and collaborative discussion helps establish a solid foundation for future actions that are consistent and aligned with the common vision.
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