Step
1: Create or Review the Mission Statement
The mission statement process is the
cornerstone of effective planning. We have found there are typically five elements
to every Mission Statement:
1) The reason the organization exists
2) The distinctive features
3) A reference to roots
4) Core values
5) Defining who the organization serves |
Step 2: Make
Assumptions
We will help you to determine the key assumptions on
which to base the development of meaningful goals and objectives based on the mission. |
Step
3: Environmental Scan
The environmental scan is an
overview of the organization's roles, responsibilities to its clients,
staff and the community at large. |
Step
4: Analyze the Data
The key stakeholders are asked to analyze the
organization using the SWOT format. This
process "clears the air" and helps identify the issues, i.e., What are the strengths and weaknesses
of the organization,, what opportunities exist for the organization, what are the threats to the future
of the organization? |
Step
5: Prioritize the Issues
Mid-way through the planning process, a
retreat is held to determine the strategic issues that need to be addressed. The
planning retreat will focus on addressing these issues. The limited human and
financial resources are directed at addressing those issues relevant to the
organization. |
Step
6: Form Goals
At the planning retreat, consensus is
developed on Strategic Goals for the next several years. Each goal will be written
to address the issues agreed upon by the leadership group. |
Step 7:
Consulting the Community
This critical step in the planning process
invites every key stakeholder to review goals before they are ratified. |
Step
8: Goals are Adopted
Once the Goals have been reviewed, and in
some cases modified, they are formally adopted. They become the blueprint for annual
objectives. |
Step
9: Written Objectives
Once the Goals have been adoptedannual
objectives are written by board committees and administration. The
objectives must be in alignment with the goal statements. |
Step
10: Set the Strategies
The administrative staff is charged to
develop strategies for each objective. Then they are put in writing and
published. |
