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38 J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 7
issues that the organization faces and
that its strategic plan must address.
These could include a variety of pri-
mary concerns, such as funding issues,
new program opportunities, changing
regulations or changing needs in the
client population, and so on. The point
is to choose the most important issues
to address. The Planning Committee
should agree on no more than five to
ten critical issues around which to orga-
nize the strategic plan.
Step 4 - Develop Strategies,
Goals and Objectives:
This part of the planning stage can
be time-consuming. You will need to
allow ample round table and thought-
ful discussion on the approaches to
resolving critical issues and agreeing
on the goals. There needs to be
a specific emphasis on strategy to
achieve the goals. Goals should be
specific and not be too broad. Do
not be alarmed if discussions take you
back a step or two. It is part of the
process.
Step 5 - Complete a Written
Plan:
The plan should be simple, easy
to read, and allow for timely review
and approval. Disseminate the plan
to the Board. Make a determination
which parts, if any or all, should be
communicated to others (committees,
members, etc). It is important that
the plan be used when the budget
process begins to be sure that any
necessary funds are aligned to meet
objectives in the plan.
The strategic plan and process
can be as simple or expansive as
you desire. The strategic planning
process is an important part of most
organizations’ operating rhythm. The
leadership challenge, however, is to
make sure that it’s more than just an
exercise. To do this, I recommend
an annual review of the plan, at a
minimum, to see what objectives have
been accomplished, what may need
to be adjusted based on changing
issues and what may need more
resources.
Think big.
Do not limit your thoughts to one
year. Do not limit your thoughts to
one goal. There are many templates
online and even consultants that will
conduct some sort of a strategic plan-
ning retreat for you. n
Resources:
MANAGEMENT
TRENDS...
from page 36.