Strategic planning can be a game-changer for your association when done well. A strong plan aligns your board, staff, and stakeholders, ensuring everyone pulls in the same direction toward clear, shared goals. Here’s how to refine your process and see real results.
Why Strategic Planning is Essential
A strategic plan gives your association direction. It ensures the board fulfills its governance role while helping the CEO and staff prioritize effectively. Without a plan, you risk wasting time, resources, and energy. A strong plan keeps everyone aligned and focused on what matters most.
Laying the Foundation
Start with the basics:
- A strategic plan should cover at least three years. Anything shorter risks being limited to operational planning.
- Both the board and CEO need to take ownership of the plan. In larger associations, senior management should be involved too.
- A written plan ensures clarity and continuity, even as leadership changes.
From Good to Great
If you want a plan that really delivers, consider these tips:
- Stick to two to four objectives. Too many priorities dilute focus and lead to frustration. Combine overlapping goals to streamline efforts.
- Include staff early in the process. People are more likely to execute effectively if they understand the objectives and their importance.
- Formalize Approval: Have the board formally adopt the plan to create accountability and ensure alignment.
Reaching the Next Level
To truly master your strategic planning:
- Define the Details: Break each objective into milestones with deadlines, clear accountability, and resource requirements. Be specific—vague goals like “increase revenue” won’t cut it.
- Do Your Homework: Gather insights through surveys, stakeholder consultations, or environmental scans before your planning session. This ensures decisions are based on data, not guesswork.
- Prepare for Pivots: Build in flexibility for objectives that might hit roadblocks. Having a backup plan ensures momentum isn’t lost.
Making It Happen
The plan doesn’t end with its creation—it’s just the beginning. Tie action steps to board meeting agendas, review progress quarterly, and share updates with members. Make sure committees and staff are fully aligned, and don’t let the plan gather dust.
Final Thoughts
Strategic planning isn’t just a task or necessity—it’s an opportunity. When done right, it becomes the foundation for your association’s success, helping your association achieve more with focus and clarity. Put in the effort now, and watch the difference it makes.
Looking for more information on how to refine your strategic planning process or align your team around clear strategic planning objectives? Head over to YouTube and view the recording for Erin Roberts’ latest Strategic Planning Masterclass!