Strategic Thinking and Planning 

 

Because the path ahead is not exactly straight. 

 

We have sharpened our own thinking about strategic planning  in recent years: 

 

First, we don’t think every organization should go through the same strategic thinking discussions and processes or at the same pace.  Free advice alert:  Don’t buy any strategic planning consulting that doesn’t yield precisely the plan that you, your leadership team and Board will actually use to steer the organization into the future. 

If it’s not a playbook you will use, it’s not a strategic plan—it’s a brochure.  Your planning processes should surface and develop solutions to the real issues you face.

 

Second, don’t let it drag on and on as in months and months.  Organizations that keep the process moving reap a stronger, more immediately useful plan at the end of the process. 

 

Third, getting the whole system in the room is really important.  Leaders need to set the pace by establishing their own clear vision.  But not bringing the organizational community along?  Expect lethargic followers.  We work to help individual leaders clarify their vision and then use processes to build a cohesive vision community together.

 

Fourth, you can do some of this work yourselves.  We keep bumping into bright, spiritually sensitive people who are strong strategic thinkers.  In the same group is a good meeting facilitator. 

Missing? 

Catalytic outside counsel at just the right junctures.  Proven process tools and process coaching.  That’s where we can help.

 

Our strategic thinking and planning services: