Gov Comp: Strategic Plan: Managing the Plan

Gov Comp: Strategic Plan: Managing the Plan

Managing the Strategic Plan
Moving the strategic plan into action requires commitment by the strategic planning committee, the executive committee or board, volunteer leadership, and staff (if applicable). An ongoing performance review is crucial to determine how the organization is aligning with the strategic plan.

The cycle of the strategic planning process should flow on an ongoing basis.
 
Step 1
Annually, the goals and objectives are reviewed along with the tactics and timelines during a planning meeting. Outcomes are documented and successes celebrated which provides the basis for the following questions to use as a guide when reviewing outcomes:
  • What did we say we were going to do?
  • What have we done?
  • Who was involved?
  • What are we going to do next?
  • Is this still pertinent?
  • Is anything missing?
  • Does anything need to be emphasized?
  • What are the change implications?
  • What would our members say about this?
  • Who are the stakeholders?
 
Step 2
Annual plans of work are developed listing new objectives and tactics which contribute to obtainment of the goals and ultimately, the mission and vision of the organization. Budgets are developed in coordination with the plan of work to ensure financial resources are available.
 
Step 3
Throughout the program year, meeting agendas reflect the established plan of work and strategic planning tools are utilized by the governing board to report outcomes. Thorough review of anticipated outcomes not being met is crucial in the annual review 
 
Step 4
Annual planning meetings are scheduled and the strategic planning cycle continues to review, evaluate, revise and celebrate the outcomes of the strategic plan.


If anticipated outcomes are not met, the strategic planning committee needs to strategically think about the results and determine:
  • Was the anticipated objective unrealistic in the projected timeframe?
  • Were there a lack of financial and/or human resources to accomplish the objectives?
  • Did the external or internal environment change that prevented the outcome to occur?