What Makes a Strategic Planning Process Actually Work?
Strategic planning often gets a bad reputation. Too often, it's treated as a one-time exercise, resulting in a glossy document that gets filed away until the next board retreat. But when done well, strategic planning can be one of the most powerful ways an organization can align, focus, and adapt in a changing environment.
What makes the difference? In my experience working with various organizations and community groups, it's all about process.
A strong strategic plan doesn’t start with filling in a template. It starts with asking questions: Why do we exist? Who do we serve? What is the focus of our work? What’s changing that might have an impact on that work?
When we begin with questions like those, we can begin to identify what is possible for the foreseeable future – and that, in turn, becomes the foundation for a Plan of Strategy.
A neutral facilitator can play a key role in making this happen.
I design planning processes that, depending on the project, include a wide range of voices—staff, board members, community partners, and, when relevant, the people directly impacted by the work. Together, we find challenges, clarify priorities, and identify a clear path forward.
“People support what they help create.” Those involved in the process are more apt to support a Plan and participate in its implementation.
I am currently working with a Board to prepare for a Strategic Planning session to develop a plan for the Board itself. While they are heavily involved in the work of their organization, they recognized that they themselves need improvement as a Board. First step was to create a Steering Committee, and together we are creating a foundation of knowledge and context that will guide the Strategic Planning session itself.
If your organization is thinking about refreshing your strategy (or even just trying to decide where to start) consider beginning with a conversation. What questions are coming up? Does what you are doing still make sense? Is your work aligned with your Mission?
Strategic planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or abstract. With the right guidance, it can be energizing, clarifying, and truly transformational.
