Strategic planning is about envisioning the future – where you want the organization to go, the impact you want to create, and the changes you aim to achieve. At the initial stages of strategic planning, the focus isn’t on how you’ll get there, that part comes later. It’s about where you want to go!
During this initial stage, it’s important to maintain a high-level perspective. The work is to define broad goals and objectives, not dive into specific strategies or tactics just yet.
The details, the action plans, the things you will do to reach the goals and objectives—such as the specifics of program changes, service offerings, relationship building, revenue generation, funding strategies, and other concrete actions – will be addressed when you develop your strategies, tactics, and an actionable implementation plan.
To build a solid foundation there are four key building blocks: goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics. Each one plays a unique role in turning your vision into real, measurable results.
Goals: The Big Picture Aspirations, The Foundations
- Goals are broad, long-term outcomes. They help you stay focused on what matters most and provide a sense of direction and purpose.
- Example: Enhance community engagement.
- Think of goals as the destination on a map. They don’t explain how you’ll get there, but they give you a clear target to aim for.
Objectives: Making Goals Measurable
- Objectives break your goals into specific, measurable pieces. They often include numbers, timeframes, or milestones of some sort so you can track your progress along the way.
- Example: Increase community event participation by 25% over the next six months.
- If goals are the destination, objectives are the checkpoints along the way. They help keep you accountable and help you see what progress looks like.
Strategies: Our Approach to Success
- Strategies are the high-level game plan. They explain how you’re going to achieve your objectives. A good strategy aligns with the organization’s values and resources.
- Example: Partner with local organizations to boost community engagement.
- Strategies guide decision-making. They provide a general path forward without diving into specific tasks.
Tactics: The Day-to-Day Actions
- Tactics are the practical, on-the-ground steps you take to carry out your strategies. They are specific, short-term actions that help move the plan forward.
- Example: Host monthly outreach events to connect with the community.
- Tactics are where planning becomes action. They’re often handled at the team level and adjusted as needed.
Summary:
- Goals provide direction.
- Objectives make the goals measurable.
- Strategies outline the approach.
- Tactics detail the specific actions to execute the strategy.
In short, strategic planning connects long-term vision with practical, actionable steps to achieve success.
Putting It All Together
Let’s say a nonprofit’s goal is to support vulnerable populations in the community. One objective might be to serve 20% more people in the next year. A strategy to achieve that might be expanding outreach through local partnerships. Tactics could include creating a referral program with schools or hosting monthly community gatherings.
Why It Matters
Strategic planning connects vision with real-world results. By clearly defining goals and objectives, and later building strategies and tactics, we create a roadmap for making meaningful change. It helps every part of the organization stay aligned, focused, and accountable.
P.S. If you think it’s valuable, feel free to share this with others who might find it useful. Let’s help more organizations thrive.
Frank
