Arizona State University

Professional Skills: Futures Thinking

Arizona State University

Professional Skills: Futures Thinking

Tyler Galarneau

Instructor: Tyler Galarneau

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify and challenge your mental frames to foster innovative thinking.

  • Develop and evaluate high-quality questions to uncover critical insights.

  • Harness imagination to construct compelling future scenarios and regain control over future uncertainties.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

March 2026

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Professional Skills: Strategic Thinking Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

This module introduces the concept of mental frames and their profound impact on how we perceive and interact with the future. You will explore the various forms these frames can take and learn practical techniques to identify and challenge your own ingrained ways of thinking. By understanding and escaping your current frame, you will unlock new perspectives and foster more innovative approaches to future challenges and opportunities.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

In this module, you will delve into the art of asking effective questions, a crucial skill for futures thinking. You will learn to evaluate questions for quality, identify potential blind spots in your core inquiries, and utilize tools like the Question Productivity Index to enhance your questioning abilities. Mastering this skill will enable you to uncover deeper insights, challenge assumptions, and gather more relevant information for future planning.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

This module focuses on leveraging your imagination to construct compelling and plausible future scenarios. You will learn how to build possible scenarios, engage in effective brainstorming techniques, and reflect on the process of harnessing imagination for strategic foresight. By developing these skills, you will be better equipped to anticipate various future outcomes and prepare for them proactively.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

This module addresses the psychological aspects of futures thinking, specifically focusing on overcoming fear and regaining a sense of control over an uncertain future. You will learn strategies to manage anxieties about the future, practice controlling these fears, and utilize tools like the futures triangle to frame your understanding of future possibilities. This module aims to empower you to approach the future with confidence and agency.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

This concluding module includes an end-of-course survey to gather your feedback and acknowledges your successful completion of the program. This module serves as a final step in solidifying your understanding and preparing you to apply your newly acquired futures thinking skills.

What's included

1 reading1 plugin

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Tyler Galarneau
Arizona State University
6 Courses 1,384 learners

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