It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Strategic Planning
Over the past several years I have had the privilege of working with organizations of all kinds with many different missions, structures and challenges. Through this work I have learned one very important lesson: A business is not a collection of bylaws and balance sheets. It is the living embodiment of the collective vision of its stakeholders - from the front desk receptionist to the CEO. The key to a successful strategic plan is to acknowledge and honor this vision; to use it to clearly articulate where the organization wants to be, and to draw a roadmap that leads to that destination. If you are not where you want to be, or if you have not yet envisioned where you need to go it would be my great pleasure to help you create this map, and to set you off on your journey with all of the tools you need to succeed. The methodology I practice, the Technology of Participation, is an engaging, highly effective process that results in a fully realized strategic plan that can be completed in as little as two days.
Overview of Strategic Planning Process
Full Strategic Planning Process
Technology of Participation Strategic Planning is a highly participatory process utilizing techniques developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “creating a just and equitable society in harmony with planet earth”. These techniques are known for building consensus and shared ownership among all stakeholders.
"Streamlined" Strategic Planning Process
Streamlined Strategic Planning is an alternative to a full strategic planning process that is offered to organizations unable to devote more than one day to the planning process. As in the full planning process, groups will create a three to five year vision, and will work together to develop a one-year action plan. Although not as comprehensive as the two-day process, this alternative works well for agencies restricted by time and budget constraints.