​Demystifying Strategic Planning

I always tell clients that strategic planning never looks just one way. The planning process and the output must look like the organization’s mission, size, maturity and level of participation.  In other words, it’s a reflection of the organization itself.
 
Some clients require “re-visioning” where we take a step back and focus on their mission, vision and values. Then we constructively prepare them to meet that new mission. Other clients have a solid sense of what they are and where they want to go, they only need our help defining those next steps. And certainly clients exist at all stages in between. 
 
Strategic Plans are road maps. They are intended to give organizations concrete direction so they avoid the ad hoc movements so many of us practice in our work (and personal lives). Initially some executive directors fret that the plans will permit their board to more closely monitor, and interfere, with their work. Another way to look at this scenario is that the executive director now has permission to concentrate on top priorities and to avoid projects not in scope. (As board members we’re all guilty of dreaming up creative but unrealistic expectations for the nonprofits we serve.)
 
Below are suggestions to make the planning process effective and painless:

1. Ensure that the board and staff are equally sold on the idea of strategic planning, even if that means having those soft conversations with both sides early on.
2. Allow the board to help shape the priority or goal areas, the strategic direction.
3. Give staff responsibility for putting the “meat on the bone.” It’s their job to decide how something will get done.
4. Form a strategic planning committee made up of staff leadership and board members who can usher the process along and avoid too much large-scale decision making.
5. Once the plan is approved staff and board should revisit the plan at least quarterly and adopt the ladder approach. As soon as one year is completed another year is added and so on down the road.

 
Seeds for Change Consulting prides itself on guiding organizations through the strategic planning process in a way that puts the group on sure footing and without hassle.  
 
~ Bergan Casey, SFCC communications and organizational development consultant