How can you use CPS to evaluate your strategic plan?

I concur that the goals of the plan, which are at the highest level, need to be aligned with mission, first and foremost. The goals need to be SMART goals. But creative problem solving, IMHO, does not happen at the goals level. That happens in the implementation stage, coming up with creative solutions to achieve the goals. Assessment can employ CPS, in that the assessment should be appropriate to the specific goals. A one-size fits all approach really doesn't work well for good assessment. That said, creative problem solving can be used to determine why goals weren't achieved. What should we do differently? Why weren't we successful? How do we use CPS to avoid "the way we've always done it" in order achieve our desired goals?

Start by defining the scope of the strategic plan that you want to evaluate using CPS. This should include specific goals, initiatives, or projects outlined in your strategic plan.

To use Creative Problem Solving (CPS) to evaluate a strategic plan: Divergent Thinking: Apply CPS techniques like brainstorming to generate diverse perspectives on potential challenges and opportunities within the strategic plan. Convergent Thinking: Use CPS convergent thinking to analyze and prioritize the generated ideas, focusing on the most impactful solutions. Scenario Planning: Apply CPS principles to develop alternative scenarios for the strategic plan, assessing its resilience to various external factors. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate cross-functional collaboration using CPS techniques to gather input from diverse teams and enhance the strategic plan's robustness.

IMHAOWO....this is the critical step...where whiteboarding begins......"what is it we are trying to do?" If this cannot be answered....stop, gain thought.....this step, "the goal" need to be clear....reminding people that "the goal" is not the plan.

Applying Creative Problem Solving (CPS) to evaluate my strategic plan involves systematic analysis. I break down each component, identifying potential challenges and innovative opportunities. I encourage diverse perspectives, inviting team input to enhance the plan's robustness. Utilizing CPS tools, I assess risks, brainstorm alternative strategies, and refine the plan iteratively. Continuous feedback loops ensure adaptability. This comprehensive approach, rooted in creative problem-solving principles, ensures my strategic plan remains dynamic, resilient, and aligned with evolving objectives.

I recommend following the following steps: Clarify goals: Clearly define strategic objectives. Generate ideas: Brainstorm diverse solutions and approaches. Prioritize options: Evaluate and rank ideas based on importance and feasibility. Develop action plans: Create detailed plans for implementation. Implement evaluation methods: Use appropriate tools to assess progress and impact. Analyze results: Examine data and insights to identify strengths and weaknesses. Generate recommendations: Propose actionable suggestions for improvement. Iterate and adapt: Continuously review and adjust the strategic plan based on evaluation findings.

yes....cannot get to a goal w/o knowing where you are now....this will then get to the "what exactly do we need to achieve our goal/vision?" this phase is also wher you find out if you are really, really ready (able???) to move forward or shout the environment need to change to move forward....

"generate and prioritize strategies "....in the military we would define "Courses of Action", each would support "the plan to get to the goal"...each could be looked at, rated, risked, and finally decided on how to move forward.

Teach em', train em'.....train em', teach em'....I was given that advice over 30 years ago. Develop real, thought through test plans...sadly, there is very few formal courses which teach this. I was blessed to have worked with some great folks at DOE where we actually developed a x40hr course on performance testing/TTX development.

Sometimes, in the course of reviewing your plans, you may find out that they need more development. Doing a SWOT analysis, discussing the plan with others or carrying out more in-depth market research or experiments with prototypes are ways to further develop and refine it. Ultimately, you can choose to progress with more than one plan, rather than limiting yourself to a single solution.