Identifying the Culprits: Seven Symptoms of Nonfunctional Strategic Plans

Introduction:

In the nonprofit sector, strategic planning serves as the compass that guides them toward their goals and aspirations. However, not all strategic plans are created equal. Many face the grim reality of needing to be more functional, leading to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. In this article, we delve into the seven telltale signs of nonfunctional strategic plans and introduce the ViStA Strategic Management Framework, a comprehensive tool that ensures the development and successful implementation of actionable strategic plans.

1. Lack of Clear and Measurable Goals:

A strategic plan without clear and measurable goals is akin to a ship without a destination. When objectives lack specificity and quantifiability, it becomes challenging to assess progress and success.

2. Lack of Staff Inclusion and Commitment:

With the buy-in and commitment of the people responsible for executing the plan, even the most well-crafted strategies can stay strong. Staff involvement often leads to a lack of ownership and enthusiasm, derailing implementation efforts.

3. Disconnect from Reality and Environment:

Strategic plans must align with an organization's current reality and external environment. Not considering these factors can result in unrealistic objectives and strategies that don't meet real-world challenges.

4. Lack of Financial and Human Resources:

Even the best-laid plans can crumble without the financial and human resources to support them. Nonfunctional plans often need to allocate adequate resources, hindering effective execution.

5. No Performance Monitoring and Accountability:

A plan's progress can stagnate without mechanisms to monitor performance and hold individuals accountable. Nonfunctional plans need more tools to track results and make necessary adjustments.

6. Lack of Stakeholder Communication:

Stakeholders play a crucial role in an organization's success. Plans that only engage stakeholders through effective communication avoid missing out on valuable insights and support.

7. Misalignment between Vision, Strategies, and Actions:

A nonfunctional strategic plan may suffer from disjointed components, where the vision, strategies, and actions are not in harmony. Such misalignment can lead to confusion and inefficiencies.

Introducing ViStA Strategic Management Framework:

Amidst the challenges of crafting and executing functional strategic plans, the ViStA Strategic Management Framework emerges as a guiding light. ViStA, which stands for Vision, Strategy, and Action, offers a holistic approach to strategic planning.

This comprehensive framework ensures that the vision aligns with the organization's values and strengths. It then facilitates the development of achievable and responsive strategies for the external environment. Finally, ViStA ensures that actionable steps are defined, allocated with resources, monitored, and evaluated for accountability.

Conclusion:

Identifying the symptoms of nonfunctional strategic plans is essential for success. From vague goals to misaligned actions, these pitfalls can lead to wasted efforts and unrealized goals. The ViStA Strategic Management Framework is a powerful solution, offering a structured and comprehensive approach to crafting and executing strategic plans. With ViStA, organizations can turn their strategic visions into tangible successes and navigate the path to growth and prosperity.

Author: Daniel O. Livvarcin, PhD, CMC