Strategic Transformation
Organizations, whether nonprofit or not, most frequently experience a “life cycle” that progresses from Start Up through Growth and Maturity to Decline, Turnaround, often ending in a Terminal (or Death) phase. Nonprofits that are blessed with wise leadership and an engaged Board may arrest this cycle in the Growth or Maturity stage for many successful years – even decades. In many client engagements, we have been able to help our clients understand where they are in their organizational lifecycle, and if they are in a cycle of decline, develop action plans to transform, revitalize and restore the organization to achieve sustainable growth.
A comprehensive Strategic Planning process, designed and implemented by Ewing Consulting for Nonprofits and led by a strong partnership with the nonprofit’s leadership and Board, has allowed many of our clients to realize a strategic transformation and embark on a new pathway toward a successful and well-planned future.
Although each Strategic Planning process is different and uniquely tailored to the client’s needs, we frequently employ a five-step process to develop the Strategic Plan. Here are the steps we endorse:
A Stakeholder Survey. As the first step in the process, we work to help our clients understand the views and opinions its stakeholders. We interview them, record their expectations and distill their knowledge.
Environmental Analysis. In the stakeholder survey we ask some questions on stakeholder’s view of the external environment, trends, and the competitive landscape. We analyze what’s going on in the world and the operating space around the organization. This is a critical base of intelligence to support the plan.
Mission and Plan Definition. In partnership with key people (particularly staff and Board), we create a strong agreement on the organization’s new or revised mission, vision and values. We also assist in defining a short list of key challenges and associated strategic objectives to inform the development of the documented plan, that includes specific goals and tactical actions and timetables.
Create Collaboration. We take whatever steps are necessary to create a ‘buy-in” by the staff and board, to make absolutely sure that everyone is a partner. We work hard to be totally inclusive. And then we keep working on the plan until all contributors are fully engaged.
Communicate, Implement and Monitor Achievement. We assist in creating all the tools needed to communicate the Strategic Plan, guide its implementation and develop measurement tools and benchmarks needed to evaluate performance and monitor achievement.