Jan 30, 2024
In episode 90 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton goes solo and talks about:
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What strategic planning is and is not
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the five steps to a comprehensive strategic planning process
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Keys to ensuring your plan gets put into action and stays relevant
The five steps are 1. kick off, 2. discovery or listening tour, 3. explore, 4. decide, 5. plan & act
Strategic planning:
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Strategic planning is a structured process for setting priorities for the medium term (3-5 years).
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It involves gathering insights from stakeholders, identifying themes, exploring futures, and making decisions to focus the organization’s future in service of its mission.
What it is NOT
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It’s not about predicting or controlling the future.
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Just the document, it's about conversations that build alignment and shared understanding.
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It is not just a retreat
Kick Off
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Setting yourself up for success
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Let everyone know what is happening and what is coming
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Pull together a team
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Equity considerations
Discover
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Go on a listening tour
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Interviews, focus groups, surveys – what will work for you.
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How are you making participation accessible?
Explore
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Share the current state as well as hopes and aspirations
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Explore the wider landscape and ecosystem for trends
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imagine new futures for the organization
Decide
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Prioritize and decide on the future directions and goals: Where will you put your energy?
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Revisit your mission and vision – are they aligned with where you are going?
Plan & Act
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Define action steps, success indicators, and feedback mechanisms.
Keeping the Plan Fresh
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Agree on a process for reviewing and updating the plan
Important Links and Resources:
Common Mistakes Organizations Make in Strategic planning:
https://www.gracesocialsector.com/store/p13/strategic_plan_mistakes.html
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