We at Smith Marion were able to launch our NPO Strategic Planning Workshop on August 4th, 2022. Kendra Dockham and Hannah Baldwin led the seminar. Kendra has over 10 years of experience in the industry, with one of her specialties being setting organizations up for success. Hannah Baldwin is an experienced facilitator who specializes in helping organizations develop their strategic plan and improve their processes, and leading organization-specific peer groups.

Our Strategic Planning Workshop was a time of learning, innovation, and organizational/individual development. Want to know how we pulled this off? Continue reading below to discover the highlights and key takeaways from this exclusive event.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2022 NPO STRATEGIC PLANNNING WORKSHOP

Benefits of a Strategic Plan in Action:

• Allows an organization to be proactive rather than reactive
• Increases program effectiveness
• Makes the organization durable and flexible
• Creates accountability

Creating Accountability:

• You will need a leadership team – one individual can’t do it all
• Put the right people in the right seats
• Let go of any unnecessary and over-complicated processes that don’t work for you

Having the Right People:

• The right people should share core values and their position should be based on unique ability
• They should align with the organization’s values personally
• They should thrive within the culture of the organization and make it a better place

Keys to Strategic Planning Success:

• Have a unified leadership team
• Facilitate effective communication and accountability
• Adjust continually
• Simplify, delegate, predict, systemize and structure
• Operate with only one system
• Be open-minded, growth-oriented and vulnerable

Get It/Want It/Capacity:

• “Get it” – what does it look like?
  • Understand the role
  • Get the culture and keep up with the pace
  • Be aware of the processes and know how to make the job come together
• “Want it” – what does it look like?
  • Genuinely like the role
  • Is already motivated
  • Accepts the responsibilities and compensation/payoff of the role
• Capacity – what does it look like?
  • Is willing to give it the time required
  • Can emotionally handle the demand
  • Has the knowledge and skills to perform the job right now

Creating Your Accountability Chart:

• • Base it on 3-7 processes/functions that are necessary for your organization to meet its mission
  • Be prepared to make changes and hear new ideas
  • Be mindful that a person is accountable for a process, not in charge of it
  • An imperative task in setting up your organization for success is establishing two individuals:
    • A Visionary – the “dreamer,” the idea person who sets new goals with big ideas
    • An Integrator – the realist who makes things happen, deals with the day-to-day operations, and ensures that the ideas from the Visionary are feasible and realistic
    • Establishing the right individuals for these positions will ensure quality goals, realistic expectations and is sure to bring harmony to your team
      Related Reading: Visionaries and Integrators: Why Both Are Essential

One Last Thing – Letting Go:

1. 1. 1. • One person can only make so many decisions
         • You cannot build an enduring, successful organization if your organization is designed to crumble the minute you step away
         • It’s impossible to have a hand in every area of your organization
         • Once you have the right people in the right seats, establish clear expectations and a system for effective communication accountability
         • Establish traction with your team.

For further insight, we recommend reading Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman. This book is a helpful guide to this strategic planning methodology.

If you are looking for a facilitator to assist you with strategic planning for your organization, our experts are available to tailor a plan specifically for your unique situation. Contact our office at 909-307-2323 or info@smco.cpa for a free consultation.