Strategic Planning
Jerry Matthews assists organizations and individuals in creating a successful future. For many that means assistance in strategic planning.
Strategic Directions
A Strategic Plan has the future directional concepts of vision, objectives, and actions. These areas cover the range from the broad view to practical steps. A strategic planning retreat is the best method to discuss concepts, set direction, and develop the plan. Many organizations have success in just holding the retreat. However, others gain value through additional input sessions and activities
A more comprehensive strategic approach includes several steps in addition to the retreat to help develop the Plan. These optional steps include research survey, peer focus groups, trends session, and implementation consulting.
The planning retreat and each of these optional activities is explained below in their usual sequence.
Research Survey
A valid survey of the membership is an important input tool for strategic planning. Questions ranging from demographic information to opinions are used. A survey instrument can be built upon past surveys for comparison and tracking of long-term trends but also will include new areas of interest.
Peer Focus Groups
There are many ways to gather qualitative data including phone interviews, conference calls, and focus groups. By far the most effective is the focus group. Through an experienced facilitator lines of inquiry can be developed that is not possible with written surveys or other research methods. Peer Focus Groups, those composed of similar individuals (large brokers, top producers, etc.), are much more effective than a random group and yield deeper information.
Stakeholders
Many times the key stakeholders and the leadership group should have targeted input on challenges and issues. If the structure has shareholders or is regional this is especially important since this is a unique viewpoint. It is also needed if key market players do not participate in the strategic retreat.
Trends Session
A trends meeting is very useful to put concepts into perspective. It consists of several presentations from recognized experts in global future trends, the economy, etc. It is difficult to analyze and discuss research input and develop strategic direction at the same meeting so this session is separate from the planning retreat.
The Strategic Retreat
The retreat is the culmination of the strategic process. With all the background information, the group must now develop a guiding plan. Group dynamics is used to reach consensus from a diverse group of people. The use of teams and participatory exercises by an experienced facilitator is necessary to create a comprehensive plan and assure its support.
Implementation
The integration of the Strategic Plan into the budgeting process and thus the programs, products, and services of the organization is vital. The reporting process as well as the ongoing influence of the Strategic Plan will assure success. This implementation involvement assists in the transition of the action concepts of the strategic plan into the business plan of the organization.
Strategic services fees, expenses, cancellation policies and other details are available upon request.
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