Causal Layered Analysis Exercise - New Metaphors

As part of our efforts to "try on" different futures exercises and frameworks, we delved into "Causal Layered Analysis" (CLA) which is a classic model utilized throughout the world as a useful device for cultivating a "foresightful" approach to the future.

We were joined by Dr. Sohail Inayatullah, the originator of this framework to assist us in experiencing the framework.

You can see him provide his overview of CLA in recent TED talk here.

You can read a little bit about CLA here.

The goal of CLA is to strengthen a group's understanding of the mental maps they use about current situations - and how these may/may not comport to the kinds of desired futures they collectively aspire to. If the "old metaphors" don't work - then the task is to find new ones that can provide both a foundation and a launchpad for a transformed future. This process allows groups to consider how feelings, causes, worldviews and myths/mythologies about "the way things are" can inhibit change - and once identified and challenged - can also accelerate it.

In greater detail the "layers" include exploring:

• Litany: how they "feel" about it

• Causes: what's creating the situation

• Worldview: the perspectives shaping it

• Myths: the underlying stories feed it

The results of a CLA exercise are often shown as an iceberg, with the Problem visible above the water, and the Litany, Causes, Worldviews, and Myths shown progressively larger below the water. When complete, groups use the CLA to better understand the problem and inform their vision of the future.

Over the course of several months, we delved into the idea of the future of PSU - and used this model to uncover and co-create new metaphors for the future of the university we'd most like to be part of. It was especially interesting to navigate the discovery of underlying metaphors - and see their potential for framing new pathways that might lead to new structures and improved outcomes.

We're still working on the public version of our response - but we look forward to sharing it and inviting our community in to help expand it! Stay tuned for an update soon.