Strategy is my Superpower!

Strategy is my superpower. Recently, a client inquired about my approach to planning for 2025 and beyond.

Here’s my strategy. Goal: Through a series of questions posed to directors and managers, gather insights on actions the association should take to optimize its organizational resources.

4 Steps:

1. Set the stage: Inform directors and managers that you will be scheduling individual meetings with each of them to discuss their program areas and how we can effectively utilize organizational resources to... (e.g., optimize resources, enhance efficiencies).

2. Conduct a series of one-on-one meetings: Use the same foundational questions in all discussions. I love these questions: Describe the current situation. What new initiatives should we undertake?) Don’t forget to include general follow-up questions such as: What barriers are present? What information do we need to make this decision?

3. Summarize the responses, providing additional context. 

4. Review findings in a leadership team meeting to formulate definitive actions for 2025 and beyond.

This approach demands a considerable investment of time, but the return on that investment for one association was remarkably significant. For instance, several key topics and actions emerged when I conducted this planning for one association:

• Evaluating the [Product Name Withheld]

• Phasing out the [Product Name Withheld] platform.

• Engaging teams earlier to raise awareness of projects and programs.

• Enhancing standardization and transparency (e.g., SOPs, templates, processes).

Consequently, the association eliminated products and services considered redundant, ineffective, inefficient, or outdated. They delayed or spaced out programs and surveys that were typically held annually just because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Additionally, they optimized decision-making and processes for various cross-departmental initiatives. Each change brought advantages such as financial savings, more efficient use of staff time and organizational resources, and enhanced staff morale.