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Can You Answer These Strategic Questions?

In a world of rapid, unprecedented change, organizations --- large and small --- must develop a clear common understanding of who they are, what they are all about and where they need to focus their limited resources in order to thrive, not just survive

Strategically thinking boards and executives assume, as consultant Tom McLaughlin says, that "circumstances are going to change, probably in unimaginable ways, and the agency's or company's strategy must take this into account."

These smart boards and executive teams allocate time in board meetings, committees, and retreats to consider the changes that are occurring in their environment and within their organizations. They make the time to ask and answer these 5 simple, yet crucial questions:

  • Who are we and why are we here?
    What was our purpose when we were founded? Is our purpose still valid today? Will it be valid tomorrow?
  • What do we do well as an organization?
    What are we doing well? How can we best utilize our strengths? What is not working so well? What would it take to resolve and achieve greater impact?
  • Who are our customers?
    What do they want from us? Do we deliver what they want? What is our reputation for service? Who do we ultimately want to serve and how will we market to them?
  • What are the drivers of change?
    Which way are the winds of change blowing? What is changing and what isn't? What are the implications for us in the next twelve to eighteen months? Three to five years down the road?
  • How do we succeed in the future?
    Can we sustain our competitive advantage? Which strategies will yield the best investment in terms of profit or mission outcomes? What activities must we undertake now to achieve those concrete measurable results?

These are just a few of the questions that an effective strategic planning retreat puts forth and then works with the leadership to answer. If your executive team or board of directors cannot answer these questions in a sentence or two then it's imperative to make and take the time to get strategic clarity.

Here are resources to help you build powerful leaders and powerful organizations / have powerful leaders at all levels: Coaching 4 Results, Planning 4 Change, Speaking 4 Impact,  W.O.W.W. Tools.

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Copyright 2006-2008, Marcia Zidle. Will you have a bright future? Are you ready to make your organization stand out in the crowd in competing for customers, clients, funders or community awareness? Contact us and let us show you how to make that happen.

Would you like to reprint this article in your trade journal, newspaper, website, company newsletter or e-zine? See Note to Editors.