Strategic Planning

Strategic vs. Implementation Planning

Differentiate between the elements of planning which determine the general direction of the organization and those which focus on implementation — how the organization will accomplish its work.

The board develops the strategic plan which sets the organization’s direction — and then delegates implementation planning to staff.

Elements of Strategic Planning

The board articulates the future it desires for the organization. This includes the vision, the mission, the values, and key result areas.

There is an assessment of the current situation within the organization and its business environment. This includes identifying its strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats it is facing.

A plan for closing the gap between the desired future and the current reality is developed. The key result areas (the priorities for action) are identified. And the board indicates how success could be measured.

Third Party Facilitation

A third party facilitator can guide the planning process objectively, freeing the board chair and senior staff to participate in the discussion.

Stakeholder Involvement

Although the board is responsible for developing the strategic plan, it is best if the board seeks input from a cross-section of the owners, staff, and other stakeholders so it has quality information to use as the basis for planning. Stakeholders who are consulted in the process are much more likely to buy-in to the finished plan and willingly contribute to its implementation.

Implementation Planning

Once the strategic plan is developed, the board can request that the CEO develop an implementation plan and provide a copy to the board by a specific date. This enables the board to monitor that the operational side of the organization is preparing to follow the board’s direction as stated in the strategic plan.