The last post described a process for brainstorming responses to the strategic analysis done during the situation review, the mission and vision revisit and the strategic positioning discussions. This post describes how to take that work and create strategies and goals.
A strategy statement is a statement of strategic intent. For example, your program strategy statement could state that you intend to significantly grow your programs, reach significantly more people or change the programming that you do. Is your overall intention to grow, maintain or selectively exit the programs and services you offer?
Start with the category names developed during the brainstorming exercise. For each area craft a strategy statement; for most organizations there should be no more than five or six. Strategy statements should be short (no more than two sentences) and action orientated.
When the team is satisfied with the strategy statements, it is time to develop three-year goals for each strategy. For example if your funding strategy is to significantly increase and diversify your revenue then what are the specific goals? For each goal you should develop at least one measure or indicator of success. Go back to the answers to “what must be different in three years?” to determine where to focus.
When the plan is completed it should only be one or two pages. Usually the mission and vision is followed by the strategy statements with the goals and indicators. Here is an example of a strategy:
The next post will look at how to translate the strategic goals into an action plan.
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