Our experience is that a relatively small amount of research creates a data basis for the planning process, which leads to more on-target strategies. We provide a checklist of data and documents that are useful in the planning process. Data helps to frame the context for the Idea Incubator.

We believe in the importance of involving stakeholders as in the planning process. Often, the success of the plan will in part be determined by how motivated the stakeholders are to “own” the outcomes, and this kind of buy-in happens best when voices are heard. There are several ways in which schools can engage with stakeholders and one or more will seem especially appropriate for your school. Working together, we identify ways to invite stakeholder participation that fits your unique culture. 

The major forum for envisioning, developing, and refining strategic ideas is the Idea Incubator, where representatives of one or more school stakeholder groups work together to begin the process of building the plan. The direction of the work in the Idea Incubator is driven by strategic questions or issues that have been synthesized from the data gathered during the Environmental Anchoring phase. Using a variety of iterative and thought-provoking activities, an environment is created that promotes multiple ideas, invites innovation, and builds on creative problem-solving energy. 

At the conclusion of the Idea Incubator a variety of ideas and possibilities will emerge. During the Modeling phase exercises and activities will be utilized to frame the work of identifying the strategies that best support the initiatives essential for your school’s future success. These strategies will be the foundation of the plan and will be supplemented by tactics and methods of measurement.   

Someone has to pull it all together into a strategic document, and we are ready to take the lead in any way the best suits the school:

We like to work with people at the school to make sure the language and tone matches culture and community. 

Successful strategy Implementation is critical to the growth and sustainability of your school. This is the action stage of the strategic planning process. Tactics, priorities, and a flow-chart of steps focuses the work of getting from here to there. All stakeholders should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and how each component fits within the overall goal. Additionally, the strategic financial plan must be completed at this point. 

To ensure that the strategic plan remains fresh, we recommend an annual Recalibration and Renewal exercise. This is a straightforward process of asking – first in the administrative team and second in the board room – if anything has changed (back to Environmental Anchoring) that would alter the flow of the plan going forward. The tactics and measurements established during the Modeling phase will be reviewed, as will internal and external issues that could have an impact on the future implementation of the plan. This is a way to affirm the work that has been done, encourage a feedback loop, allow room for innovation and take corrective actions if necessary.