Tips and pitfalls of the futures studies trade

This essay outlines some of the crucial points to be taken into consideration by futurists‐in‐training in order to avoid the many mistakes which can be easily made. These comprise right timing, real participation, scenarios, developing a preferred vision of the future, using metaphors, using mixed approaches, depth, the surprise future and implementation. The role of the futurist is long term pedagogy, finding solutions for current problems by challenging administrative structures and asking individuals to rethink how and why they do certain things. The reality of practice and idealism of vision is what will create an alternative future.