Nonprofit leaders make decisions. In fact, the nonprofit leader’s job description could be described as:

• Worry about worst-case scenarios
• Sign your name on things 
• Make decisions 

Every nonprofit leader must be comfortable making decisions and be willing to own the outcomes no matter what. An effective strategic plan will not only provide direction for the organization, it can give nonprofit leaders guidance in day-to-day decision making and promote more predictable outcomes. From financial concerns to personnel decisions to crisis response, the strategic plan should not be reserved only for long-range goal setting. It can drive daily decision-making.

How an organization develops their plan will determine whether it is a valuable, useable tool for everyday decision-making, or a well-written document that no one cares about. Stakeholder involvement will drastically improve the final plan and create a culture of participatory decision-making. There is no benefit to discounting any individual or group from participating in the planning process. Employees, volunteers, donors, community members want to feel connected to the organizations they care about. Seeking their participation in the strategic planning process can give them this connection. Even the people who benefit from the organization’s mission can provide valuable input on the strategic plan.

In order to improve the strategic planning process and create a truly usable document, organizations can follow these guidelines: 

1. Give the process time. Leaders need to take time to include input from many stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, conversations and meetings. Leaders need to take the time to compile all available information and allow time for discussion.
2. Focused but not constrained. Leaders need to keep the process focused on the organization’s mission and ensure that discussions are productive. There also needs to be a free flow of ideas in safe, nonjudgmental environments. Leaders need to balance these two elements and keep an open mind.
3. Diversity of opinion. Leaders need to invite participation from stakeholders. The diversity of opinion is one of the strongest indicators that an organization’s strategic plan will be implemented and effective.  Participants in the strategic planning process should be allowed to disagree, speak freely and remain anonymous.
4. Don’t leave any group out. Leaders need to seek input from any and all stakeholders. This list includes board members, employees, volunteers, donors, people who are served by the organization, community members, or any person or group who is impacted by the organization.
5. Expect to be surprised. Leaders need to approach the strategic planning process without preconceived ideas on where it will go. Allow the goals to develop out of the data.
6. Review often. The strategic plan should be review throughout the year. Stakeholders should understand the goals and objectives that are included in the plan. If there are significant changes in organizational direction the plan should be updated with new goals and objectives and include a reason for the change.

Conclusion

An organization’s strategic plan is only as good as the process that was followed to develop it. Through stakeholder involvement, a strategic plan will be more comprehensive. The data will be more valuable. The goals will be more applicable and achievable. Stakeholder involvement results in organizational buy-in to the plan and encourages donors, community members, volunteers and employees to invest in the organization.

Bob Sell is a 2021 graduate of the Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program at Arizona State University. He is the CEO for Ark Regional Services, a community-based provider of residential, employment, and educational supports for adults with developmental disabilities in Laramie, Wyoming. Bob has over 25 years of experience supervising and managing staff with extensive experience developing and conducting Direct Support Professional training and supervisory development workshops. Bob believes the key to successful leadership is listening to and respecting the opinions of others. 

Want to learn more? 

The ASU Lodestar Center of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation offers a variety of Capacity Building Services including strategic planning initatives to help your organization prepare for the future. Through organization facilitation, training, individualized consultation and leadership development, Center staff will customize the program to your organization’s specific needs and desired outcomes.

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