I skate to where the puck is going to be. Wayne Gretzky Leaders and managers of governments, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and communities are facing challenges brought about by major demographic changes, shifts in values, increased special interest groups, privatization of public services, unfunded federal and state mandates and shifts in funding priorities, to name only a few. Organizations that want to survive and prosper must know how to respond to change quickly and effectively. I am noticing in my business that I am getting more and more requests to facilitate strategic planning sessions for managers and board members. Strategic planning can help facilitate communication and participation, accommodate divergent interests and values, foster sound and reasonably analytic decision making and ensure successful implementation.
Organizations engage in strategic planning for many reasons.
Regardless of why public agencies and non profits engage in strategic planning, similar benefits are likely to result. First and most obviously, it promotes strategic thought and action. Strategic planning improves decision-making capabilities. It focuses on critical issues and challenges and helps decision makers figure out what they need to do today to ensure the tomorrow they want. Enhanced responsiveness and improved performance of staff is a benefit that results directly from the first two.