The document outlines how to create an effective strategic plan. It advises that a strategic plan will guide an organization by articulating its vision, mission, and benchmarks. It stresses the importance of collaboration in the planning process and thinking realistically about goals. An effective strategic plan should ask how the organization can better serve its purpose and meet the needs of its stakeholders. Finally, the document provides a three-step process for planning the strategic plan and developing a roadmap to achieve goals.

1. STRATEGIC PLANNING
What is it and what do I do with it?

2. A STRATEGIC PLAN IS THE PROCESS THAT
HELPS YOU CREATE YOUR PRODUCT.
Your organization’s strategic plan will
guide your decisions, goals and
priorities.

3. BUT WHY DO I NEED IT?
The strategic plan provides direction and purpose. It articulates the vision
and the mission and creates benchmarks for progress.

5. AND HOW DO I MAKE IT HAPPEN?
Collaboration is key. There is no such thing as a bad idea so work together!
Think carefully about what you want your strategic plan to say. How well
your organization is able to stick to it is key to your success.
Brainstorm and think realistically.

6. YOUR PLAN SHOULD ASK 3 QUESTIONS:
1.) Who are we?
2.) For whom are we doing this?
3.) How can we do it better?
Your plan will guide and shape your organization, help your staff focus its
energy, and ultimately help you meet your mission.

7. PLAN TO PLAN YOUR PLAN!
Step one: Plan to answer your three questions.
Step two: Prepare before you write by gathering information and
preparing an
outline.
Step three: Determine the lasting effects of your decisions.
ALWAYS THINK IT THROUGH!

8. Your strategic plan should be thorough and should be followed.
If, during the life of your plan, many changes and rewrites are
needed, then something went awry in the planning stages. Keep it on
track.

9. YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN IS YOUR ROADMAP
That gets you from point A to point B

10. CHECKLIST
Do I have:
An idea?
A goal?
Have I prepared my ideas concisely, and considered the ideas of others?
Do I know what I hope to achieve and what I expect of others in my
organization?
Congratulations! You’ve planned your plan! Now time for the dirty work!