Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country

Strategic Planning "Must Haves"
Must be built on values and vision!
Must be inclusive
Must have an implementation component
Must have performance measurements
Rewards and benefits for employees, and recognition.........plus appreciation!
Management must be held accountable

"There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being
to help someone succeed."
-Alan Loy McGinnis

There are three distinct phases of strategic planning:

Phase I: Plan
In this phase you are developing the values, vision, mission, goals, strategies and measurements. "Customer" feedback is important here. Customers are both external, i.e., the boys and girls who are members of the club, plus their parents, family members, school, tribal council, etc., and internal - your employees and volunteers.

Once you have completed all of these elements I recommend you take this process to all of your stakeholders for their comments, additions and input. This is what is called the "catch-ball" process. You are sharing your draft plan and asking for feedback. Once you have done this, gather your board, management team, and employees for a rewriting of your strategic plan. This plan then becomes your "blue-print" for your club.

Phase 2: Deploy
In this phase you are developing the implementation strategies for your strategic plan. This involves how you are going to do what you said in Phase I. These are the "nuts and bolts" of how you will accomplish your goals. The board, executive director, program managers and employees all have some responsibility in implementing the plan. Who will do what; what resources are needed; what is your timeline; how will you know you are successful; and how will you make any corrections? A communication plan is essential in this phase. All stakeholders, especially employees, club members, board members, and management, must be kept updated on progress. A critical element in this phase is to give immediate feedback to employees, and others on how they are doing. If you haven't read the "One Minute Manager", by Ken Blanchard, do so. It's a classic and one of the all time best selling management books - ever!

Phase 3: Review
In this phase you are reviewing what you have been doing in the implementation phase. Board, management and employees will need to make decisions on what is working, what isn't working - and why or why not. Corrective action may be needed. This is a time to celebrate successes and to recognize, again, people that are doing exemplary work. Communicate your successes.

Dick La Fever
Crossroads Leadership Institute - Catalysts for Positive Change
815 W 19th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99503
907-258-7002 FAX 258-7007 e-mail:lafever@myexcel.com