How do you get your board's input and approval for a strategic plan?

1 Assess your board's readiness

Before you start drafting your strategic plan, you need to assess how ready your board is to participate and commit to the process. You can do this by conducting a board self-evaluation, surveying your board members about their expectations, challenges, and interests, and reviewing your board's roles and responsibilities. This will help you identify your board's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, as well as any gaps or conflicts that need to be addressed. It will also help you tailor your communication and engagement strategies to suit your board's preferences and needs.

2 Involve your board early and often

One of the best ways to get your board's input and approval for a strategic plan is to involve them early and often in the planning process. This means inviting them to share their insights, feedback, and ideas at every stage, from defining your mission, vision, and values, to conducting a SWOT analysis, to setting your strategic priorities and objectives, to developing your action plans and indicators. You can do this by forming a board planning committee, holding regular board meetings and workshops, sending out surveys and updates, and creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. By involving your board in the planning process, you will increase their ownership, accountability, and alignment with your strategic plan.

3 Educate your board about the plan

Another way to get your board's input and approval for a strategic plan is to educate them about the plan and its benefits. You can do this by providing them with clear and concise information, resources, and tools that explain the purpose, scope, and outcomes of your strategic plan, as well as how it aligns with your non-profit's mission, vision, and values. You can also use stories, examples, and data to illustrate how your strategic plan will help your non-profit achieve its goals and impact. By educating your board about the plan, you will increase their understanding, confidence, and enthusiasm for your strategy.

4 Solicit your board's feedback and suggestions

Another way to get your board's input and approval for a strategic plan is to solicit their feedback and suggestions throughout the planning process. You can do this by asking them open-ended questions, listening to their concerns and opinions, and incorporating their input into your plan. You can also create a feedback loop that allows you to share your progress, challenges, and results with your board, and to seek their advice and guidance on any issues or opportunities that arise. By soliciting your board's feedback and suggestions, you will increase their trust, respect, and support for your strategy.

5 Seek your board's formal approval

The final step to get your board's input and approval for a strategic plan is to seek their formal approval. You can do this by presenting your final draft of your strategic plan to your board, highlighting its key elements, benefits, and implications, and asking them to vote on its adoption. You can also prepare a board resolution that summarizes and endorses your strategic plan, and ask your board to sign it. By seeking your board's formal approval, you will increase their commitment, responsibility, and advocacy for your strategy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?