CREATING A LIVING STRATEGY

THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

Strategy is the foundation that sets the course for your organization. It is the exercise of assessing where you are today,

determining where you want to be, then creating a plan to get you there. An active and living strategic plan captures the best of an organization, identifies what it needs in order to succeed in the future, and charts the course and actions to be accomplished.

Strategy workshops are generally done with the leadership team of an organization, then are communicated and actioned to attain the support of the entire team. In an organization with multiple business units or divisions, creating business unit or divisional strategy also develops alignment throughout the organization, and assures objectives and actions that aid the divisions in their role as an integral component of the business.

Strategy needs to be clear and understood, concise, actionable and measurable in order to be able to be used as the day-to-day guide towards the future. This is a key part towards the success of every organization, whether business or non-profit.

Strategy workshops are custom built for each unique application, will help your organization get on track and stay there as you move towards your desired future. Each strategy workshop selects activities from the following steps to create a workshop package that fits your specific needs:

1. Where are we today? (Situation Analysis)

· Strengths / Weaknesses / Opportunities / Threats Exercise

· A solid assessment of the starting point for the plan – from both internal and external perspectives.

· Distinctive Excellence Exercise

· Assure that you don’t leave behind your best strength(s).

2. Where do we want to be? (Choosing Direction)

These steps are reviewed or created as needed, and can incorporate any statements already in existence.

· Vision

· Choose your destination – essential to the development of a plan

· Mission

· The purpose of the organization.

· Values

· What’s important in how we do things?

· Service Strategy

· For a competitive service organization.

3. How do we get there? (The Plan)

· Core strategy selections / Statements of Direction

· Choose the key areas in which to focus your strategy work, then write statements which are essentially sub-sets of the vision to move each area forward in alignment with the overall direction. Usually a five year look ahead.

· Setting of Objectives

· Write specific objectives for each area of strategy to move forward in assigned, measurable steps. Generally one year or two year objectives.

· Assignment of Action

· The tactics or specific actions to achieve objectives if sub steps are required.

4. Accomplishing strategy (Carrying Out the Plan))

· Results of Actions taken

· Achieved as objectives / actions are carried out.

· Measurement of Results to Plan

· Assessed by organization, comparison of results against plan

5. Review / Renewal (Keeping on Track)

We recommend an internal tracking process occur at least quarterly in order to be sure that the agreed upon actions are taking place. Measurement of performance is key here.

It is strongly suggested that the strategic plan be reviewed at least annually with an update that would include:

· Revisiting / Renewing strategy as needed

· Setting objectives for next period

A well-defined and well-executed strategic plan sets your organization apart from its competitors, helps it achieve its highest performance, and aids in continuity in direction from all its people and components. Talk to us today about helping you get your organization on track for the future.

Don Evans

President – DJE Holdings Ltd.

604-988-3435

don_evans@telus.net