There are certain components of the strategic planning process that must be in place to effectively develop, implement, and monitor a strategic plan. This article provides a brief overview of the steps involved in strategic planning.
The first component is preparing for the strategic planning session. Before engaging in strategic planning, the organization must conduct a SWOT analysis. The SWOTT is a tool used to solicit input and feedback from internal and external stakeholders as to what they would consider the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, what opportunities and threats can help or hinder the organization, and what trends could affect the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. mission and viability of the organization.
In addition to conducting the survey, the organization must decide who it wants to be present at the strategic planning session. Planning sessions typically involve the organization’s board of directors and chief executive officer, and often the organization’s management team. However, organizations could invite external stakeholders, such as suppliers and collaborating partners, if they think it would be beneficial to engage and solicit input from a larger group of stakeholders.
In its preparatory work, the organization must also decide, among other things, when and where the event will take place, who will be the facilitator, and what documents and equipment will be needed to ensure a successful planning session. A checklist detailing all the tasks that need to be completed prior to the strategic planning session should be developed and used each time the organization decides to engage in strategic planning.
The second component is the completion of the actual strategic planning session. Before the start of the planning session, the group should adopt a set of ground rules that they will adhere to, so that the session runs smoothly and to ensure the development of a plan that best meets the needs of the clients and the organization. organization.
Once the ground rules are established, a predetermined process should be established to review and discuss the results of the SWOT analysis; pre-planning goals and objectives that were not completed, and whether the organization should incorporate these elements into its next plan; and the current and future needs of the organization. All areas to be addressed should be listed. Then, through a voting process, the organization’s priorities should emerge. Focusing on the top priorities, a draft strategic plan should be developed.
The plan template should identify the organization’s goals, the objectives for each goal, the person or persons responsible for each objective, the deadline for completing each objective, the dollars allocated to each objective (if applicable), and a comment section. for notes. Goals must be well defined, specific, measurable and time-limited. SMAART Goals are often referenced, meaning that your goals must be specific, measurable, aggressive, achievable, results-oriented, and time-bound. The draft plan should be finalized by a Strategic Planning Monitoring Committee, made up of board members and staff.
The third component is to monitor and revise the final strategic plan, as necessary. There should be some kind of committee to monitor the strategic plan on a regular basis. It should be made up of board and staff members, who meet monthly or bi-monthly. This committee should evaluate the progress of each goal and objective. If a goal or objective needs to be modified or removed, or if a new goal or objective needs to be added, the committee should discuss these matters and make a recommendation to the full board of directors. This committee should also be responsible for communicating the progress of the plan to all interested parties.
Although this article has only provided a brief overview of the steps involved in strategic planning, it highlights the importance of preparing for the strategic planning meeting, conducting the planning session in a way that eliminates the organization’s top priorities, and monitoring the final strategic plan. on an ongoing basis to ensure your goals and objectives are achieved in a timely manner. These strategic planning components are essential for the organization to move forward.
Copyright 2010 © Sharon L. Mikrut, All rights reserved.