So here we are…most of us…back to Daylight Savings Time…again. Why is it that the debate as to whether we engage in this annual ritual continues in state legislatures year after year? What is the rationale for holding on to this practice? Chances are, most people have no good answer to that question. So is it time to change this time change?
How often do you ask yourself, “Is it time to change?”
Organizations and leaders can easily fall into the comfortable hum of the status quo. Once upon a time you started something that was new, and it was timely, appropriate, and netted great results! And then over time, it wasn’t and it didn’t. Yet, that “thing” had become engrained in your annual cycle, organizational culture or standard practices to a point where it wasn’t even discussed anymore. How do you step back and look at the sacred cows and status quo and reevaluate?
Enter stage left: Strategic Planning!
Whether you do it annually or on a different interval, taking the time to engage in strategic planning is essential for organizations big and small. This is an opportunity for your team to reaffirm your values, vision and mission, and then take a look back to see what you’ve accomplished, what components are continuing to serve you, and what may ::gulp:: need to change! Then you can set goals to move forward and develop an action plan for the next time period.
While you can pull together a cross-departmental strategic planning team and prepare, lead and facilitate the strategic planning process yourself or in-house, it is much more beneficial for you to bring in an outside strategic planning facilitator, if possible.
Why?
An outside facilitator allows your entire team to fully participate in the process, taking the responsibility for facilitating off of you or someone else. It creates a more balanced, equitable conversation. The outside facilitator can also be the devil’s advocate and ask the hard questions…such as, “Is it time to change?” No offense, but if you and your team have quietly acquiesced to the status quo for some time, you’re not likely to put it front and center in your strategic planning on your own.
While many engage in the strategic planning process in their 4th quarter, you can do so at whatever point makes sense for you and your organization. At ReWorking Strategies, as the name implies, we facilitate strategic planning meetings for organizations ranging from national associations to family-owned businesses.
We would love to help you ask AND answer the question, “Is it time to change?” Schedule a free consultation here to discuss how we can support you to plan your next level of success!
Why?