smARTstart

A Successful Planning Process
Successful processes and plans reflect and are tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of the organization. It takes into account current realities, working styles, dynamics, environments, vision, beliefs and needs.

Successful strategic planning processes:

• Are supported by organizational leadership – board and staff
• Build a shared vision that is values-based
• Are inclusive and participatory processes in which board and staff take on joint ownership
• Provide opportunity for collaboration and broad involvement of those who impact and are impacted by the plan
• Are externally focused and sensitive to the organization’s environment
• Accept accountability to the community
• Require openness to questioning the status quo, flexibility and provide a fluid process for learning and discovery through which creative strategies can emerge
• Are based on quality data
• Proceed from mission and values, and express how an organization over time can breathe new life into its mission and build a bridge from current realities to desired futures
• Lead to action and are a key part of effective management – the plan does not sit on a shelf and implementation is not left up to chance
• Acknowledge that disagreement is inevitable, welcome divergent ideas, really work to get the best ideas out, are not afraid of arguing, and allow for talking through delicate subjects. They acknowledge that the process can produce conflict and anxiety because no one controls the outcome of the process and this can lead to tension.