Anticipate. Plan. Act. Adapt. Surviving and Thriving through Strategic Planning

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Alyson Doyle
5 years ago
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2 Speaker Tom Morley Founder and President Snowflake LLC After 15 years in the Big 4, I felt called to use my talents for a greater social impact. So I launched Snowflake, a Certified B Corporation. We help organizations that improve individuals and communities quality of life. #nonprofits #strategicplanning 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 1

3 Introduction Own Your Future, Make it Happen Why should you create a Strategic Plan? What does it mean to be strategic, anyway? What goes into an effective Strategic Plan? How do you keep it realistic and relevant? What obstacles do you need to be aware of? 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 2

5 Rationale Surviving and Thriving through Strategic Planning Get the whole picture of the organization Ensure sustainability, even as things change Anticipate and respond to what s really needed Improve support Alter programs Extend coverage Expand scope Engage staff, volunteers, clients, funders, etc. Make rational, aligned, and informed decisions Stick around, be better, and accomplish more 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 4

9 Keywords Longer-term Big Picture Logical Action-oriented Flexible On-going challenges vs. Radar blips Planned vs. Knee-jerk solutions Sustainable vs. Quick hit responses Consistency with vision, mission, and values Alignment of strategies, objectives, and goals Program and resource impacts and tradeoffs Starting with end vision of planning period Known departure point, sequenced road map Risks, impacts, mitigations, and risk tolerance Realistic resourcing, feasible given conditions Project and program planning and management Metrics, targets, and on-going measurement Scenario and contingency planning Continuous, active leadership engagement Anticipation, recognition, and response 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 8

10 Keywords Longer-term Big Picture Logical Action-oriented Flexible On-going challenges vs. Radar blips Planned vs. Knee-jerk solutions Sustainable vs. Quick hit responses Consistency with vision, mission, and values Alignment of strategies, objectives, and goals Program and resource impacts and tradeoffs Starting with end vision of planning period Known departure point, sequenced road map Risks, impacts, mitigations, and risk tolerance Realistic resourcing, feasible given conditions Project and program planning and management Metrics, targets, and on-going measurement Scenario and contingency planning Continuous, active leadership engagement Anticipation, recognition, and response 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 9

11 Keywords Longer-term Big Picture Logical Action-oriented Flexible On-going challenges vs. Radar blips Planned vs. Knee-jerk solutions Sustainable vs. Quick hit responses Consistency with vision, mission, and values Alignment of strategies, objectives, and goals Program and resource impacts and tradeoffs Starting with end vision of planning period Known departure point, sequenced road map Risks, impacts, mitigations, and risk tolerance Realistic resourcing, feasible given conditions Project and program planning and management Metrics, targets, and on-going measurement Scenario and contingency planning Continuous, active leadership engagement Anticipation, recognition, and response 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 10

12 Keywords Longer-term Big Picture Logical Action-oriented Flexible On-going challenges vs. Radar blips Planned vs. Knee-jerk solutions Sustainable vs. Quick hit responses Consistency with vision, mission, and values Alignment of strategies, objectives, and goals Program and resource impacts and tradeoffs Starting with end vision of planning period Known departure point, sequenced road map Risks, impacts, mitigations, and risk tolerance Realistic resourcing, feasible given conditions Project and program planning and management Metrics, targets, and on-going measurement Scenario and contingency planning Continuous, active leadership engagement Anticipation, recognition, and response 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 11

13 Keywords Longer-term Big Picture Logical Action-oriented Flexible On-going challenges vs. Radar blips Planned vs. Knee-jerk solutions Sustainable vs. Quick hit responses Consistency with vision, mission, and values Alignment of strategies, objectives, and goals Program and resource impacts and tradeoffs Starting with end vision of planning period Known departure point, sequenced road map Risks, impacts, mitigations, and risk tolerance Realistic resourcing, feasible given conditions Project and program planning and management Metrics, targets, and on-going measurement Scenario and contingency planning Continuous, active leadership engagement Anticipation, recognition, and response 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 12

Discussion What do these keywords mean for the Strategic

15 Implications What the Definition Means for the Process Anticipation Accurately forecasting future needs and conditions Planning Deciding where to focus, and what needs to be done Action Implementing solutions, on time and within budget Adaptation Responding to results and environmental changes Planning is only one element of Strategic Planning! 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 14

16 Implications Using an outdated picture of demands and conditions, providing static services Anticipate Accurately forecasting the future, enabling relevant and effective responses Focusing on the day-to-day and making decisions out of context, with substantial risk Plan Targeting programs with an eye on cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability Stuck in the present, missing opportunities to increase impact and losing credibility Act Moving ahead with purpose to secure the future, meet community needs, and more Not recognizing issues and changes in the environment, keeping the plan alive Adapt Responding appropriately to stay on track, and divert if needed to assure success 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 15

17 Implications Using an outdated picture of demands and conditions, providing static services Anticipate Accurately forecasting the future, enabling relevant and effective responses Focusing on the day-to-day and making decisions out of context, with substantial risk Plan Targeting programs with an eye on cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability Stuck in the present, missing opportunities to increase impact and losing credibility Act Moving ahead with purpose to secure the future, meet community needs, and more Not recognizing issues and changes in the environment, keeping the plan alive Adapt Responding appropriately to stay on track, and divert if needed to assure success 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 16

18 Implications Using an outdated picture of demands and conditions, providing static services Anticipate Accurately forecasting the future, enabling relevant and effective responses Focusing on the day-to-day and making decisions out of context, with substantial risk Plan Targeting programs with an eye on cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability Stuck in the present, missing opportunities to increase impact and losing credibility Act Moving ahead with purpose to secure the future, meet community needs, and more Not recognizing issues and changes in the environment, keeping the plan alive Adapt Responding appropriately to stay on track, and divert if needed to assure success 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 17

19 Implications Using an outdated picture of demands and conditions, providing static services Anticipate Accurately forecasting the future, enabling relevant and effective responses Focusing on the day-to-day and making decisions out of context, with substantial risk Plan Targeting programs with an eye on cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability Stuck in the present, missing opportunities to increase impact and losing credibility Act Moving ahead with purpose to secure the future, meet community needs, and more Not recognizing issues and changes in the environment, keeping the plan alive Adapt Responding appropriately to stay on track, and divert if needed to assure success 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 18

21 Anticipate Interpreting the Future What will your target population(s) need most, and what could happen that would affect those needs? Key Components Conditions Demography, economy, regulatory, etc. Demands Issues, magnitudes, locations, etc. Client Profiles Preferences, accessibility, etc. Primary Methods Data and qualitative research Front-line observations Forecasting and scenario modeling 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 20

22 Plan Setting the Course What do people need to do and how will you ensure the work gets done, and generates the right results? Key Components Context Mission-Market overlap, priorities, etc. Direction Goals, objectives, metrics, milestones, etc. Approach Strategies, resources, timelines, etc. Primary Methods Internal and external (environmental) assessment Facilitated leadership working sessions Staff and stakeholder inclusion 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 21

23 Plan Setting the Course: A Close-up Look What should the planning process include, and what are the key outcomes? Context Goals + Objectives Strategies Resources Mission Clients Services Needs SWOT Strategic Actions Strategic Plan Market Capacity Funding Access Conditions Scenarios Metrics + Milestones Timeline 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 22

Act Making it Happen What do people need to do and how will you ensure the work gets done, and generates the right results? Key Components Project Planning Activities, schedules, etc.

24 Act Making it Happen What do people need to do and how will you ensure the work gets done, and generates the right results? Key Components Project Planning Activities, schedules, etc. Program Management Overarching administration Measurement Progress, milestone outcomes, etc. Primary Methods Project coordination and oversight Ownership, empowerment, and accountability Data collection and reporting 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 23

Adapt Staying on the Right Path How should you respond when you re off track, not getting the results you need, or conditions change? Key Components Analysis Results, efficiency, relevance, etc.

25 Adapt Staying on the Right Path How should you respond when you re off track, not getting the results you need, or conditions change? Key Components Analysis Results, efficiency, relevance, etc. Recognition Issues, risks, and environment Governance Engagement, informed decisions, etc. Primary Methods On-going research, policy monitoring, etc. Cost-Benefit Analysis, Return on Investment (ROI) Periodic, regular, in-depth strategy reviews 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 24

27 Challenges Common Complaints about Strategic Planning Problems Not sure how to think or talk about it Can t find the money to get help Don t know what the future looks like Lack capacity to execute the plan Execution is inconsistent, at best Don t have a clue if it s working May be overcome by events (OBE) Solutions Use today s definition as a platform Get external assistance as a guide Make it a top priority there s ROI Apply for Strategic Planning grants Start collecting data, right now Talk to people staff, clients, etc.! Look at Board composition and rules Be creative sourcing outside help Manage the plan like a program Use all of your accountability tools Identify appropriate metrics Set realistic key milestone targets Define broad, purpose-aligned goals Predict, model, assess, and respond 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 26

28 Preconditions Essential Elements of a Successful Process Board Sponsorship Takes ownership of and drives the initiative Influences buy in to the need and process Leadership Commitment Willing to make the necessary investments Able to hold itself accountable for results Stakeholder Inclusion Solicits input from staff, clients, stakeholders, etc. Keeps everyone informed of progress and results 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 27

29 Summary Key Takeaways Surviving and Thriving through Strategic Planning Strategic Planning needs to be priority Long-term, big picture outlook Realistic, action-oriented, and flexible Planning is really only one component of the process Anticipation, planning, action, and adaptation Flexibility is key to on-going relevance Obstacles to success can be overcome Board awareness and commitment Continuous leadership engagement 2018 Snowflake LLC. All rights reserved. 28

31 Thank You! Snowflake LLC Collaborative Consulting for the Greater Good Learn more about us: Follow us on social media: