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“The winds of change can blow harshly. And in today’s environment, change can come rapidly and unexpectedly.
So, what’s the point of strategic planning?
First off, there is a difference between having a plan and having an effective planning process. Dwight Eisenhower said, “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
The purpose of an effective planning process is to deeply understand your organization, to develop sound strategy, and understand your purpose in the context of the community you serve. An effective planning process never leads you to a place where you have such narrow options that you freeze in a crisis. It’s just the opposite.
Strategic planning is not a linear process. It is more of a Venn diagram with each element in conversation with the other, and through this interactive process an overall understanding of the best strategy evolves and gains clarity.
So, what are those interacting elements?
1. Your noble cause: the values the organization anchors in the world, the beliefs, principles, philosophies that calls it to do a great work; the vision for a better world for those you serve; and the mission you pursue to get there
2. The environmental context: constituent needs and expectations, competitors and collaborators, trends in the field, critical issues in your immediate environment, and organizational realities (staff, budget, current programs, leadership)
3. Your value proposition and core competencies
4. Strategic imperatives and a plan of action with success metrics”
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4 Elements of An Effective Nonprofit Strategic Planning Process