Sep 14th 09 Posted by Bob Sevier in Featured Articles, Leadership

Key Themes of Strategic Planning

In a previous post I outlined a broad definition of strategic planning (see here); there are four themes in that definition that deserve special attention.

First, there is the idea that the planning process is strategic because it involves choosing how best to respond to the circumstances of a dynamic and sometimes hostile environment. This sounds easy, but it often is not. In fact, one of the greatest challenges facing a college is its inability to 1) define and agree upon the set of challenges and opportunities that are before it; and 2) agree upon and commit to a clear course of action.

Second, there is the idea that strategic planning is systematic. This means that it calls for following a process that raises a sequence of questions which helps planners and internal stakeholders examine past experiences, test old assumptions, gather and incorporate new information about the present, and anticipate the environment in which the organization will be working in the future. This process helps assure a level of rigor and due diligence.

Third, strategic planning involves choosing a specific set of priorities. While a strategic plan may stop short of the level of detail in an annual operating plan, it cannot be called a plan if it does not coalesce around a clear set of significant goals. As part of this discussion, there must be an understanding that by choosing one or more goals to achieve, you are making a decision not to pursue other goals.

And finally, the strategic planning process is about building commitment and momentum. Systematically engaging key stakeholders in the process of identifying priorities allows disagreements to be engaged constructively and supports better communication and coordination. The process allows a broad, though seldom total, consensus to be built, resulting in enhanced accountability throughout the organization.

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