Strategic Planning
Overview
Every organization needs to plan for its future. Contextual examination of an organization’s strengths and weaknesses, along with potential opportunities and threats or challenges it might be facing (aka ‘SWOT’) sets the premise for such a plan.
This plan should clearly illustrate a comprehensive picture and critical directions for the organization’s path forward. A strategic plan spells out the organization’s mission, its vision, and the goals to achieve its vision.
It also codifies the strategies for meeting the goals, the resources required for the strategies, and the metrics that examine the organization’s progress. Finally, it shows how the organization would implement this plan.This method of planning is known as ‘strategic planning’ for the organization.
Why is a strategic plan needed?
A strategic plan provides the framework for the organization’s priorities and actions. It should be a ‘living’ plan by which to set and decide on priorities, time-lines for their implementation, and resource development/utilization. Since every major action of an organization impacts other future actions, the strategic plan also helps avoid actions that are premature or do not take into account the full scope of the priorities of the organization. As such, while a strategic plan specifies organizational priorities for the plan period, it also provides a mechanism for determining new priorities or course adjustments that may be desired over time.
A strategic plan provides a holistic ‘big picture’ for the organization’s future, its key priorities, expected outcomes, and actions for success.
How long does a strategic plan last?
Typically, a strategic plan is developed to guide an organization for about five years. Renewals or revisions are made before the end of a plan period.
What can I offer?
With 20+ years of experience in working with major educational/research institutions, research/development companies, and non-profit organizations including various local/community organizations, I offer consulting services in three tiers depending on organizational need and scope of work.
Elements of a Strategic Plan
