Planning your way to success!
As I perform development or organizational audits on nonprofits, I have noticed one thing that separates those who are making progress and those who are not.
Yes, we did a strategic plan and have one – somewhere
Yes, we have policies – I think
Yes, we have procedures in a manual – old ones anyway
Yes, we brush our teeth – had to throw in.
Yes, we completed a development plan – couple years ago
Let’s take a look at these quotes. See if you can find a common denominator that might be the challenge for nonprofits.
“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.” ― Tom Landry, Hall of Fame football coach
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” ― Pablo Picasso, painter
“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” ― Peter F. Drucker, author and educator
“Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1,000 percent return on energy!” ― Brian Tracy, author and motivational speaker
“Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.” ― Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
“A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” ― Brian Tracy, author and motivational speaker
“Plan your next move because every step contributes towards your goal.” ― Sukant Ratnakar, author and motivational speaker
“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” ― Fitzhugh Dodson, author
“Although it’s admirable to be ambitious and hardworking, its more desirable to be smart-working.” ― John Maxwell
“Speaking from my personal experiences, setting goals, along with a detailed action plan, has actually changed my life from one cast in frustration to one of purpose.” ― Catherine Pulsifer, author
See what I see?
How about words like…deciding how you will go about achieving, vigorously act, commitment, execution, work your plan, backed by definite plans, plan your next move, plans to reach them, detailed action plan
The separation point. Action. What are the steps? How much will that cost? Who is going to do it? How are we going to do it? By when?
We talk about a strategic plan like it is accomplished. We did it. No wonder, our days go by without achieving our fundraising goals.
When I ask to see the annual action plan (based on the board’s strategic plan), I often get blank stares. I asked how they report progress based on strategic goals – more shrugs.
Action plans are ways to ensure your vision is made concrete. It outlines the goal, strategy, objective, responsibility, timeline and budget. Think of it like a road trip — we know where we are going, but what is the route, how much will it cost, how long will it take, who is going with us?
Yes, action plans are fluid documents. Just like a road map if you are driving across the country. The detours, the traffic jams where google reroutes you, the flat tire, the unplanned stop at that beautiful scenery spot, the expenses add up quicker.
The beauty of action plans is three-fold in my opinion
1. The planning itself. Done well it builds camaraderie and shared vision among staff and the board.
2. The reality check. The plan shows where gaps are in staffing, budget, workloads, board member needs, volunteers, etc.
3. The commitment check.
Take the strategic plan that the board has given you. Break it down by goal.
1. Define objective of that goal
2. Key tasks/steps toward achieving progress on each goal this year.
3. Deadlines and milestones to celebrate wins
4. Person responsible for leading the key tasks
5. Board roles defined in action – what do we need from them?
6. Identify resources needed – budget, additional personnel, volunteers
7. Monitor, evaluate and update progress and deviations
If you need help in auditing where you are at and how to design an action plan, I am delighted to help.
Enjoy the journey and bask in the destination!
Share with us your favorite quote!
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