Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist
Answer yes or no to each of the following questions:
Change requires commitment. Can your organization support the plan process?
- Is your leadership team fully committed to embracing change, participating in and leading the strategic planning process?
- Do you have a designated strategic planning team to support the plan?
- Are your staff members prepared to engage in the planning process, providing input and feedback?
- Do you have an engaged board of directors, committed to supporting and participating in the strategic planning process?
Change takes resources. Does your organization have the time?
- Is your organization structure stable and committed to retaining key team members throughout the planning and implementation process?
- Does your organization have the capacity to conduct quarterly reviews of the strategic plan over the next two years?
- Are there sufficient human resources (staff and volunteers) to implement the plan?
- Does your team have the bandwidth to prioritize plan action items without sacrificiing business continuity?
Change is an investment. Can your organization afford it?
- Have you applied for a grant or set aside a budget specifically for strategic planning activities (consultant fees, workshops, retreats)?
- Are you prepared to invest in necessary tools and resources (software, research materials) to support the planning process?
- Do you have a financial plan to support the implementation of new initiatives identified in the strategic plan, including potential costs for training, marketing, or operational changes?
Change relies on communication. Is everyone in your organization on the same page?
- Do you have a system in place for regular communication and updates with staff regarding the strategic plan?
- Have you scheduled regular board meetings to discuss and review the elements of a strategic plan, implementation process, and evaluation of progress?
- Are you prepared to gather and reflect on input from key stakeholders (clients, partners, community members)?
- Has your organization defined clear objectives for what you want to achieve with the strategic plan?
While I Breathe, I Hope
If you answered "no" to these questions, your team is not ready for a strategic plan - yet! We find that when an organization cannot answer "yes" to all of these questions, they have difficulties developing, committing to, and implementing a meaningful strategic plan. Discuss any "no" answers with your team and take advantage of our Community Partners to help your organization prepare for better in the future.
Prepared in Mind and Resources
If you answered "yes" to these questions, your team is well-prepared and ready for a strategic plan. Check out our Planning Services and contact us to start your journey to better.
