Strategic Planning and Board Preparation

An important element when designing the successful Project, Endowment or Capital Campaign (typically in the $1M to $300M range), is the STRATEGIC PLANNING process and BOARD PREPARATION.

The Clemons-Associates team has developed solid strategies, proven processes, and tactical tools in pre-campaign mode with none other than the late oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens. In 2002, these elements ultimately led to raising $285M in the NEXT LEVEL campaign - building a debt-free Division One stadium in Stillwater, OK. Let's look at sample sequential elements and key steps:

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Strategic planning for a board involves defining a clear future vision, analyzing the current environment using tools like a SWOT analysis, setting specific, measurable goals, developing actionable plans to achieve these goals, and continuously monitoring and adapting the plan. Board preparation involves creating a supportive culture, establishing a clear framework and agenda for the planning process, and ensuring clear communication and active engagement from board members to foster commitment and drive effective implementation. 

Key Steps in the Strategic Planning Process

1. Define Vision and Mission:

   Establish a clear, long-term vision for the organization's future and articulate its core mission and values. 

2. Conduct a Situation Analysis:

   Analyze internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats (SWOT) to understand the current operating environment and the organization's position within it. 

3. Set Goals and Objectives:

   Based on the vision and analysis, set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals and objectives. 

4. Develop Action Plans:

   Outline the specific steps, initiatives, and responsibilities needed to achieve the strategic goals. 

5. Monitor, Measure, and Adapt:

   Continuously track progress against established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), review performance, and be prepared to adjust the strategy as needed. 

BOARD PREPARATION

Board Preparation for Effective Strategic Planning

• Prepare Key Information:

  Provide board members with pre-meeting data, successful outcomes of previous campaign(s), key facts and summaries of the previous strategic plan and relevant community assessments, to ensure they are well-informed and prepared for discussions. 

• Foster an Engaged Culture:

  Create a pre-existing culture of engagement where board members regularly participate in meaningful discussions and decision-making. 

• Establish a Clear Framework:

  Clearly communicate the purpose of the strategic planning process, the roles of board members, and the expected outcomes to ensure everyone understands their part and is invested in the plan's success. 

• Plan the Planning Session:

  Design a detailed agenda for a dedicated board retreat or strategy day, ensuring it allows for in-depth discussions and fosters an environment for open dialogue. 

• Ensure Skillful Facilitation:

  Use skilled facilitation to encourage participation from all board members and guide the discussion toward tangible outcomes. 

• Communicate Clearly and Consistently:

  Maintain clear communication throughout the entire process, from setting expectations to explaining the plan and its progress. 

IMPERATIVES:

• Ensure pre-campaign communication is accurate and compelling

• Ensure your meetings are engaging and fruitful

• Ensure your campaign is correctly framed in time, financials and goals

• Ensure Board Members buy in

• Ensure Board Members know their role (and expectations are conveyed)

• Consistently remind stakeholders how constituents are positively impacted by way of a successful campaign

Bottom line: Strategic planning  and Board Preparation are mission critical in the pre-campaign phase. Staff/Board - often in concert with an external consultant - should develop a clear vision, agree on the SWOT analysis, set specific, measurable goals and develop actionable plans. And in the spirit of 'no such thing as over communication', stakeholders are invited to become informed, engaged, committed to relative strategies, measuring progress and checking milestones...with the end goal of transformational outcomes. 

Craig Clemons with Friend, Philanthropist and President/Founder/Board Chairman of Express Employment Professionals, Bob Funk, Sr.

Seeking expert assistance from seasoned professionals?

Contact Craig Clemons at craig@clemons-associates.com or one of our rock star associates for more details. Clemons & Associates is on standby to help you with brand identity, strategic messaging, campaigns, digital assets and programs/projects.