"The goal of forecasting is not to predict the future but to tell you what you need to know to take meaningful action in the present."

—Paul Saffo, Stanford University futurist and tech forecaster

This week's Wayfinder is co-authored by Bryan Setser and Carolyn Eastman.

Traditional strategic planning is no longer enough. The pace of technological, social, and economic change demands that educational institutions move beyond static five-year plans and adopt dynamic, responsive strategies. This is where Strategic Future Forecasting, a new offering from Setser Group, transforms how schools and districts plan for the future.

At its core, Strategic Future Forecasting empowers educational leaders to anticipate shifts in technology, workforce demands, and societal needs, allowing them to design adaptable, forward-thinking strategies. This is not about predicting the future—it’s about preparing for multiple futures.

This transformative approach aligns closely with Gartner's research, which has been instrumental in shaping Setser Group's methodologies. The visual framework from Gartner, shown below, captures the essence of dynamic strategic planning and serves as a cornerstone for understanding how to anticipate and adapt to change effectively.

Traditional strategic plans often become obsolete before they're fully implemented. They are static documents that can’t keep pace with rapid change. In contrast, our Strategic Future Forecasting approach, exemplified in our collaborations with k-12, higher ed, and non-profit and for-profit clients, introduces an agile, iterative process that is flexible and responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities​.



Instead of binding organizations to rigid timelines, we focus on 90-day PDSA cycles—allowing institutions to make real-time adjustments and continuously align with their community’s needs​. This method ensures progress without being locked into outdated goals.

FROM STRATEGIC PLANS TO STRATEGIC POSITIONING PLATFORMS

Our approach redefines traditional strategic plans into Strategic Positioning Platforms—dynamic, visual frameworks that connect vision, mission, and values to actionable goals and measurable outcomes. These platforms are living, evolving resources that guide leadership decisions and drive continuous improvement​.

HOW IT WORKS IN PRACTICE: NOW LESSONS FROM ORGANIZATIONS 

We embrace a collaborative, AI + data-informed strategy to reimagine a now, next, and future future. We guide them through an agile scrum process, where each session focuses on concrete outcomes, engaging educators, families, students, and customers in shaping the organization's vision​. This iterative process fostered ownership and accountability across the organization.



By leveraging our Strategic Future Forecasting model, Organizations are now well-positioned to navigate technological changes, address equity gaps, and enhance user experiences in real-time.

Setser Group collaborated with East Wake Academy to transform its traditional strategic plan into an agile, adaptive framework that empowers the school community to take meaningful action in real-time. The East Wake Academy Strategic Plan exemplifies how a clear vision, mission, and values can be seamlessly connected to dynamic, measurable goals. By focusing on collaboration and continuous improvement, this strategic positioning platform provides a roadmap for success that evolves alongside the needs of students, educators, and families.

LBL Strategies' five-phase program outline showcases a structured approach to scenario-based planning, emphasizing future-focused strategies and actionable workshops. It complements our Strategic Future Forecasting model by highlighting iterative methods to anticipate and adapt to change effectively.

NEXT + FUTURE FRAME: PREPARING FOR UNCERTAINTY WITH CONFIDENCE

Setser Group partnered with Metro State University to co-design their 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. You can find our Wayfinder philosophy integrated throughout the plan. The Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism priority embodies our approach by aligning leadership practices with actionable commitments to dismantling systemic barriers and driving accountability. The Now, Next, and Future framework illustrates how Metro State strategically scales its efforts over time, from establishing baselines to achieving measurable progress in campus climate, workforce diversity, and equitable budgeting. This phased approach not only reflects a commitment to continuous improvement but also integrates equity at the core of strategic decision-making.

Strategic Future Forecasting challenges educational leaders to move beyond managing change and start leading it. In a time of rapid societal shifts and technological evolution, this approach equips districts with the tools, mindset, and agility to thrive in any future.

At Setser Group, we believe that the future belongs to those who are ready for it. Let us help you design strategies that are as dynamic and resilient as the world we’re preparing students to navigate.



Are you ready to forecast your future?

Bryan Setser is the Founder and CEO of Setser Group, guiding leaders, teams, and organizations toward innovative and sustainable futures.

Carolyn Eastman is a Senior Engagement Leader in educational strategy and innovation, partnering with Setser Group to drive systemic transformation.

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🚀 Strategic planning for a future that's always in motion! This week's Wayfinder dives into dynamic strategies like 90-day cycles, AI integration, and future-ready models that are redefining how organizations plan and adapt. Let’s shape the future together! 🌟

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