In a country in the midst of turbulence and uncertainty, a credible and optimistic story makes a strong impact. The Mont Fleur team gave vivid, concise names to important phenomena that were not widely known, and previously could be neither discussed nor addressed. The process was not a formal, mandated negotiation. Rather, it was an informal, open conversation. This allows people to discuss almost anything, even taboo subjects.
Negotiation tends to focus on finding ways to narrow or reconcile differences among participants.
The team then summarized this shared understanding in the scenarios. The scenario process is inclusive and holistic. Moreover, the process of telling several stories encourages people to surface and listen to multiple perspectives. One of the premises of scenario thinking is that the future is not predetermined, which means that the choices we make can influence what happens. In a situation where people feel swept along by overwhelming, inevitable currents, this is an empowering world view.