I have been looking over a bunch of strategic plans for nonprofits recently, and one huge thing jumps out at me – No Focus!
Your strategy should provide you with Laser Focus.
This is why the cornerstone of the strategy process I use with nonprofits is their three – five strategic goals for the next five years. And then, after SWOT analysis, we add the strategic themes that will guide them toward success.
If you have a big hulking strategic plan document hanging around somewhere, I encourage you to give it a quick makeover. Look over all the stuff your plan says you are going to do. Then ask yourself, “What are the overall three – five most important outcome-based goals that we want to accomplish during the next three - five years.” Make sure that the goals are specific and measurable.
Then make a new cover sheet for your strategic plan that says LASER FOCUS at the top and list the goals. Make copies of the cover sheet and hand it out to staff and Board members if you want to make sure everyone is on the same “page.”
It’s the KISS Principle. Keep It Simple Sweetheart. Give yourself Laser Focus and your organization will make even more of a Mission Impact.
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving.
