Pivotal VSP - Vision/Strategy/Plan
Strategic planning should result in more than report on a shelf
Most organizations - nonprofit or otherwise - approach long-term planning in a limited and inadequate fashion. There is little information gathering, usually insufficient time is allocated for the effort, and the endeavor often times stops completely after the visioning phase. Long-term planning requires the articulation of the organization's VISION (board responsibility), identification of the STRATEGY that will achieve the vision in an optimal way (board and staff collaboration), and creation of the PLAN that will make progress toward the goal (staff).
At ElevateNPT, we specialize in helping nonprofits transform their operations and achieve their goals. Our team of experienced consultants can guide you through the entire VSP process or just get you launched and let you fly. We encourage you as you articulate the future your organization seeks to create. We help you grind through the process of identifying the strategy you need to achieve that future. We help you develop your action plan and create the infrastructure needed to track your progress toward the future you have envisioned.
Vision vs Strategy vs Planning
The vision of an organization is a statement that describes the desired future state. It is an inspirational and aspirational description of what the organization hopes to accomplish in the long term. It serves as a guiding beacon, providing direction and inspiration for everyone involved in the organization. It answers the question, "What do we ultimately want to achieve?"
VISION – Inspirational and Aspirational
This is a BOARD responsibility
Strategy refers to a plan of action designed to achieve the organization's vision. It gets everyone on the “same page”, talking the same language, looking in the same direction, and, more importantly, taking actions in alignment with the collective vision. Too often, a strategy session delivers a "wish list," rather than achievable goals. Strategizing hasn't finished until SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound - goals have been clearly defined, a timeline has been established, and means for tracking and evaluating progress have been determined.
STRATEGY – The 30,000 foot view
This is a BOARD* responsibility
The action plan creates a roadmap that outlines the specific steps, milestones, and actions required to implement the organization's strategy. It breaks down the strategy into actionable tasks and provides a timeline for their completion. The plan helps coordinate efforts, track progress, and ensure alignment across various departments or teams.
PLANNING – Actionable steps and milestones
This is a STAFF LEADERSHIP responsibility