Strategic Agility: Moving from Strategic Planning to Strategic Thinking Break for Lunch May 13, 2010

Workshop Objectives What is meant by strategic thinking & agility How does an organization develop a strategic mindset? Some tools that may help Barriers to success How did they do it? Conservation Resource Alliance Questions

What is Strategic Thinking Culture that is open to dialogue & consideration of the possibilities Is a way of life- not a one time event Involves posing & pondering important questions Requires acceptance from the group that the discussion may not have an immediate solution but is still crucial to success Is worthy of a leadership time Requires the board’s engagement

Why is it important for nonprofits? Circumstances and the environment are going to change in unpredictable ways Speed of execution is often essential Need to get comfortable with change Positions organization to seize opportunities Prevents conflict

What is a Strategic Thinking Moving from Yearly objectivesVision Annual budget3 to 5 year financial plan Programs/ servicesPartnerships/ Strategic Alliances ManagementLeadership

Characteristics of a Strategic Thinker Someone without too many preconceived ideas; open minded Imaginative Risk-taker Team –builder Does not complain about what is wrong today but is aware of the needs of the future Looks at strengths not weaknesses of organization Thinks comprehensively not departmentally Gives equal weight to all program areas not just financial Looks for and thinks in terms of opportunities Feels comfortable with a compass not a roadmap Creates a climate for creative thinking

What is Strategic Agility? The ability to sense and take advantage of opportunities by planning and executing far reaching business changes swiftly and effectively as needed.

What is Strategic Agility? The ability to constantly respond to changing environment & opportunities; adapt and adjust strategic direction Ability to increase capabilities quickly

How does an organization develop a strategic mindset? Creates opportunities for strategic discussions Learns together Gets to know and trust members of the team Acknowledges the value of diverse styles and perspectives Works at being comfortable with ambiguity, discussion and debate

How does an organization develop a strategic mindset? Eliminate cynicism; avoid looking for negative Humor Read, observe, remain alert Hire or work with strategic thinkers Stop spending time on mundane or unnecessary Put strategic thinking into job descriptions, performance appraisals

Some tools Consent agenda Leadership style assessments Scenario planning Contingency budget Ground rules Decision matrix Balanced scorecard Dashboard report Partnerships/ alliances

Barriers to Strategic Thinking & Agility Too many priorities Inadequate information flow Central command and control Denial, nostalgia, and arrogance Poor talent management practices Lack of a systems thinking approach The ‘power’ sits within functional silos Running the nonprofit on an annual cadence Inability to reprioritize resources when needed Extensive job description/competencies ‘complex’

How did they do it? The Conservation Resource Alliance Story

Resources that will assist you

Thank You Contact NorthSky at: Pam Evans , x 208 Special Thank you to: