How do you share your strategic plan with your team?

1 Know your audience

Before you share your plan, it's important to understand who you are sharing it with and what they need to know. Different audiences may have different interests, questions, and concerns about your plan. For example, your teachers may want to know how the plan affects their curriculum, instruction, and assessment, while your parents may want to know how the plan supports their children's learning and well-being. Think about what each audience needs to hear, see, and do to understand and support your plan.

2 Choose your format

When sharing your plan, it's important to consider the format and channel that best suits your purpose, message, and audience. You may need to use different formats for different groups or levels of detail. For example, you could create a written document, a presentation, a video or podcast, a website or dashboard, or a workshop or meeting. Combining formats may be necessary to reach all of your stakeholders.

3 Be clear and concise

Your strategic plan should be clear and concise, avoiding jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Use simple and direct language that explains what you want to achieve, why it matters, how you will do it, and what you expect from your team. Use headings, bullets, and graphics to organize and highlight your key points. Provide examples, evidence, and stories to illustrate and support your plan. Avoid information overload and focus on the most relevant and important aspects of your plan.

4 Be honest and realistic

Your strategic plan should be honest and realistic, acknowledging the challenges, risks, and uncertainties that may arise along the way. Don't oversell or overpromise what you can deliver, but don't undersell or underplay what you can achieve, either. Be transparent about the assumptions, limitations, and trade-offs of your plan. Explain how you will measure and monitor your progress and outcomes, and how you will adjust and adapt your plan as needed. Show that you have done your research, analysis, and consultation to develop a feasible and effective plan.

5 Be inspiring and motivating

Your strategic plan should be inspiring and motivating, showing your passion, vision, and commitment to your team and stakeholders. Don't just tell them what you want to do, but also why you want to do it and how it will benefit them. Connect your plan to your values, beliefs, and purpose as an educational leader. Show how your plan aligns with your team's needs, interests, and aspirations. Invite them to share their ideas, feedback, and contributions to your plan. Recognize and celebrate their achievements and successes along the way. Make them feel valued, respected, and empowered as part of your plan.