Holoptic Foresight Dynamics, Part 1: A New Model for Creating the Future
I recently spoke at a conference where I introduced a broad futures concept that I have been developing: Holoptic Foresight Dynamics. HFD (as I will refer to the concept hereafter) is a strategic model that can help organizations, governmental entities, cultural institutions, and societies to become foresight competent – and even develop foresight expertise – as a part of their cultural dynamic and cosmological foundation. In other words, HFD creates an environment in which the cosmology of a group undergoes a drastic alteration, allowing for a clearer view of alternative and emerging futures (as well as preferable and visionary futures) that are born out of the creation of a holistic view of the organization. As I wrote elsewhere:
This idea is born out of my interest and work in Causal Layered Analysis, Spiral Dynamics, Integral Theory, Collective Intelligence, Networking Theory, Appreciative Inquiry, Action Logics, “Theory U,” “Swarming,” and of course, Strategic Foresight theory and methodology (As well as several other social and leadership evolutionary assessments and theories. I would also include Organizational Culture Assessments, Learning Environments, and Jaccaci’s “Metamatrix” as other human development methodologies that have reinforced this concept.) A broader and connected view of these ideas and models have helped me to see that Strategic Foresight – a vital construct in organizational and human development – functions best in an atmosphere where assumptions are uncovered (as an ongoing process), people are individually and collectively evolving toward a holistic purpose (though diversity at all levels remains intact, and is even fostered), and the system at work is accessible by all parties involved (a decentralized environment/intentional complex adaptive system).
Before I explain the basic idea behind HFD (and its larger application to multidisciplinary futures work), let me define “holopticism.” In it’s most basic definition, “holopticism” is:
In Part 2 of my explanation of HFD as an underlying, internal, organizational model for adapting better foresight understanding and practices, I’m going to discuss the evolutionary path toward holoptic social environments (“monopticism,” “panopticism,” “holopticism”), and begin to explain how holopticism can specifically impact Strategic Foresight and futures thinking, creating a collective culture that leads to what could be known as “Holoptic Precognizance,” a state of operations that produces a much greater degree of success in mapping and actualizing aspirational futures and organizational/social/global vision. Though no one can ever predict the future, there is a "place" in social and organizational evolution where the direction and purpose of the “Whole” can be seen by those involved, and where those involved in that “Whole” can adjust their thoughts and actions to allow the emerging or aspirational future to come into being.
Holoptic Foresight (Dynamics) creates a change of story from ‘many separates’ to ‘one whole,’ allowing for greater ability to be adaptive, flexible, and futures-fit.
This idea is born out of my interest and work in Causal Layered Analysis, Spiral Dynamics, Integral Theory, Collective Intelligence, Networking Theory, Appreciative Inquiry, Action Logics, “Theory U,” “Swarming,” and of course, Strategic Foresight theory and methodology (As well as several other social and leadership evolutionary assessments and theories. I would also include Organizational Culture Assessments, Learning Environments, and Jaccaci’s “Metamatrix” as other human development methodologies that have reinforced this concept.) A broader and connected view of these ideas and models have helped me to see that Strategic Foresight – a vital construct in organizational and human development – functions best in an atmosphere where assumptions are uncovered (as an ongoing process), people are individually and collectively evolving toward a holistic purpose (though diversity at all levels remains intact, and is even fostered), and the system at work is accessible by all parties involved (a decentralized environment/intentional complex adaptive system).
Before I explain the basic idea behind HFD (and its larger application to multidisciplinary futures work), let me define “holopticism.” In it’s most basic definition, “holopticism” is:
… a combination of Greek words holos (whole, holistic, all), optiké (vision), and tekhné (art, technique). It expresses the capacity for players in a given organization (or group) to perceive the emerging whole of that organization (or group) as if it were a unique entity, be it in a natural physical space or an online space (virtual)… A holoptical space is a space in which each participant gets a live perception of the ‘Whole.’ Each player, thanks to his/her experience and expertise, relates to this “Whole” in order to adjust his/her actions and coordinate them with others’ moves. Therefore there is an unceasing round trip, a feedback loop that works like a mirror between the individual level and the collective one… Holopticism – the link between individuals and the whole – provide players with the capacity to operate in a sovereign, independent (diverse) way because they know what to do for the sake of the whole and the sake of themselves. Therefore there is not only horizontal transparency (perception of every other participant in the organization or group), but also a vertical communication with the emerging ‘Whole.’
In Part 2 of my explanation of HFD as an underlying, internal, organizational model for adapting better foresight understanding and practices, I’m going to discuss the evolutionary path toward holoptic social environments (“monopticism,” “panopticism,” “holopticism”), and begin to explain how holopticism can specifically impact Strategic Foresight and futures thinking, creating a collective culture that leads to what could be known as “Holoptic Precognizance,” a state of operations that produces a much greater degree of success in mapping and actualizing aspirational futures and organizational/social/global vision. Though no one can ever predict the future, there is a "place" in social and organizational evolution where the direction and purpose of the “Whole” can be seen by those involved, and where those involved in that “Whole” can adjust their thoughts and actions to allow the emerging or aspirational future to come into being.
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