I think there is a lot to say about the Law of Attraction, which can loosely be defined as “like attracting like”. I found that simple definition on the Internet so you know it has to be true.
Anyway, I seem to be attracting a lot of organizations lately that suffer from a lack of knowing where they are going. They have no plan. Sure, if you ask them what their purpose is, or what they do, they can recite their mission statement and excitedly offer a “laundry list” of tasks and good works that keep them very busy.
But if you ask them just how they plan to get there, to that envisioned desirable future, they have no clue…or, they have way too many clues. Either way, not a good thing.
A strategic plan is a tool, nothing more. It does not have to be intimidating, or feared. In fact, it offers many benefits. It…
- Unites everyone,
- Provides a clear pathway to success
- Improves decision-making, budgeting, hiring, training, capacity building, efficiency, and marketing.
When everyone knows the organization’s key priorities, and how their responsibilities contribute to them, you have what is called “alignment”. Then, every decision, every action is fully in support of the organization’s direction. And, your organization operates with such a level of clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness that its’ impact on the community and your clients is significant.
Now, strategic plans do not have to be complex, highly intricate, long-winded documents that intimidate and confuse people. I have seen many plans that go out just a few years and keep things very simple so everyone in the organization understands it and their roles within it. They work fine.
Nor does it have to cost a lot of money to develop one. Speaking of cost, what is the cost to your clients and your community (not to mention your donors and directors) if your organization drifted along w/o a clear direction? How well are you really serving your clients and community when your organization focuses on busyness, rather than effectiveness and impact? Now, you’re really talking about cost, and missed opportunity!
Lewis Carroll said it best. If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there. He had that exactly right.
I salute you if you are considering developing a strategic plan and encourage you to do it! You will find the process is not nearly as distracting as you may think. In fact, it will engage and galvanize your key people in ways you have not seen.
If you don’t have a plan, give me a call. Let’s talk.