Strategic Planning

My approach to strategy is quite simple. I believe that all strategy work (both for profit and nonprofit) is derived from answering two questions:

  • What do you want to accomplish?
  • How do you intend to accomplish it?

For any organization, being crystal clear about these two things provides the essential groundwork to build a strategy.

Answering question #1, "What do you want to accomplish?", is paramount for a nonprofit or foundation. It can often be addressed by asking the more specific question: "What will be different, for whom, and in what way as a result of your work?"

This question is intended to help an organization articulate a very clear answer, which is often referred to as the organization's "Intended Impact." There are many other terms people use (outcomes, goals, objectives, etc.), but whatever you choose to call it, having a precise, detailed, well articulated description of who (or what) will be better off and in what way is the cornerstone to a successful strategy. I most often help organizations work on gaining clarity on this essential question.

The answer to Question #2, "How do you intend to accomplish it?", is often referred to as an organization's "Theory of Change." The client's answer to this question is often a blend of two things: a. Their beliefs or values about what will drive change in the world, and b. The practical aspects of which initiatives will they undertake to achieve that change.

Helping clients articulate these two pillars of strategy: Impact and Theory of Change, are the primary aspects of my practice.