Strategic Planning
What is strategic planning?
Strategic planning basically determines where an organization is going over the next three to five years, how it will get there and how it will know if it is successful or not.
What are the benefits of strategic planning?
Strategic planning helps an organization do a better job by focusing its energy, ensuring that members of the organization are working toward the same goals and communicating those goals and objectives to the organization’s constituents. Collaborative planning develops a sense of ownership, bringing together everyone’s best efforts to build consensus about where an organization is going.
When should strategic planning be done?
Strategic planning should be done at various points in an organizations development: a) when an organization is just getting started; b) in preparation for a new major venture; c) during times of tremendous change; and d) at least once every three to five years. Each year, action plans should be updated, and during implementation of the plan, the Board of Directors should review the progress at least on a quarterly basis.
What tasks are included in strategic planning?
The Griffin Center uses the goals-based planning method. Tasks include: a) defining a mission and vision statement, b) conducting a needs assessment, c) selecting the goals needed to accomplish the mission, d) identifying specific strategies that must be implemented to reach each goal, e) developing an implementation plan (action plans, budgets and schedules), and f) creating a process for monitoring and updating the plan. The Griffin Center uses a variety of facilitation methods including Technology of Participation® (ToP) a method that shows groups how to collaborate on projects. For more information on this method go to: http://www.ica-usa.org/index.php. [link]
How long does the planning process take?
The planning process can easily be adapted to a variety of timeframes. From weekly or monthly meetings, to 1-2 day retreats, the center works with clients to meet their specific needs.
Who should be involved the process?
At Griffin Center, we strive to align the interests of diverse stakeholders in creating inspiring, value-driven plans that identify and prioritize the work of an organization and/or its program staff, are easy to understand, and are designed for immediate use.
Why use an outside facilitator?
According to J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Chief Executive of J. G. Ebersole Associates and The Renaissance Group™ outside facilitators provide major benefits that include:
- creating a safe, non-threatening environment for open discussion
- providing a neutral third party
- providing management of the meeting process
- helping participants feel less intimidated
- helping to clearly define the issues and problems without bias
- providing assistance in dealing with rivalries within the group
- making more effective use of the meeting time by keeping the discussion focused on key issues
- helping break down complex issues and problems to aid the group in working together to solve problems
- cultivating a commitment of the group to follow-up on the action plan
- helping to “visualize” what can be in the future by creating a unified vision
- helping create accountability
- helping develop specific goals and action plans to address issues and items
Read more at http://www.evancarmichael.com/Business-Coach/223/Major-Benefits-of-Using-An-Outside-Facilitator.html
How do we ensure implementation?
Once planning is completed, Center staff often continue to collaborate with clients to assist in ensuring projects are implemented with fidelity and meet the expectations of participants, program administrators, and funders.
What if our plan is not working?
A strategic plan is a living document and not written in stone. Implementation does not always flow smoothly from one step to the next. Adjustments may be needed in response to changing circumstances. It is important that organizations don’t overreact but remain vigilant.
For more information contact: Lynn Waldorf
