How do you turn your organization’s strategic plan into an invaluable road map to a successful future and keep it from becoming a forgotten dust collector on the top shelf of some bookcase down the hall? Many non-profits invest enormous time, money and effort to create bold plans – only to be disappointed when ongoing execution efforts by the board and the staff effectively ignore the priorities established during the strategic planning process.  

Instead, turn your strategic plan into a clear and compelling call to get your organization going in the right direction…to keep you and your organization on course and get you where you want to go. To confidently achieve your strategic goals, take charge of your future by following four key steps:  

1. Announce and celebrate your plan

Completing a strategic planning process is a big accomplishment, so announce and celebrate this milestone to your supporters and potential supporters – donors, sponsors, the media, as well as business, government and other community leaders. Don’t forget to share the good news with the folks who contributed their wisdom to your planning process by participating in interviews, focus groups and surveys.

1. Live your plan

Incorporate your strategies into as many internal and external communications vehicles as possible. Reinforce your strategies with your board by using them frequently to organize agendas, minutes and other governance reports. Spread the word with the greater community in speeches, articles and your annual report. 

      3.  Organize around your plan

Align annual operating plans (for programs, marketing, fundraising and the like) with the specific objective and tactics in your strategic plan. Keep your reporting formats consistent throughout all of your plans to build understanding of and commitment to your strategic vision.

1. Monitor and update your plan

Take the time with your board or planning group quarterly (or at least once a year) to engage in focused conversations to make sure that your organization is still on track by asking…

 * Is your strategic plan still on target? What has been accomplished or not accomplished? What needs to be done to get back on track? 

 * Are your assumptions on internal and external environment still valid? If not, which assumptions need to change?

       * What are the current issues facing your organization?

 * Are there changed or new priorities (including needs for staff, technology, marketing and communications, etc.)?

 * What new performance targets or modified intermediate checkpoints needed?

Invest the time and effort to take charge of your organization’s strategic plan and you’ll be rewarded with a more successful and sustainable future.  

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Jan Pomerantz the Principal of Catalyst Corps, LLC., specializes in strategic and operational planning, governance and managing transitions for nonprofit organizations.