We agree a timeframe and start to map out what is likely to happen as time passes. These can be fixed events, trends or predictions, depending on the nature of the business and the area being discussed.

Participants identify predictable events, situations and potential issues that they can factor into their plans for the next 6-12 months, or longer if relevant.

Sometimes these offer opportunities to take advantage of by planning early; sometimes they enable problems to be mitigated before they occur.