Connecting the Present with the Future

If there is one thing all of us have in common it is that we have a future. Granted, some may have one that appears brighter. Others may have one that will probably be longer. And others still may have one that seems filled with more opportunity. Still, the future is a common denominator and, I believe, one that should not be taken lightly. After all, it is the direction in which we are heading no matter how actions and choices in the present. The question then becomes how best can we contend with it and, for the purposes of this blog's focus, what role can communication play? Perhaps one place to begin is to acknowledge differences in how it is perceived by many.

The future, philosopher Simone Weill wrote, "is made of the same stuff as the present." German author Gunther Grass viewed it as already a done deal with our many statistics on population growth and rise of pollution, it is "already in place." Possibly the perspective of author Ambrose Bierce is the most optimistic (or most cynical). He called the future "that period of time in which our affairs prosper, our friends are true and our happiness is assured." Whatever view one might lean toward, given that we all have a vested interest in what is over the horizon, professional communicators can help clients see the connection between present and future.

Interestingly, even though the future is unknown, it is not an unknown entity. As Grass and even Weill suggested, the past and present are strong indicators of what the future will be. Taking his comment at face value, Bierce said it can be anything we want it to be. Thus, the future can be a good time for all depending upon our actions in the present. In putting together strategic plans for clients, communicators can play an influential role in building a bridge between meeting the challenges of today with the hopes of tomorrow. The two should not be treated as if they are mutually exclusive. For communicators, doing so requires a touch of realism with a dash of optimism and a good sense of direction.