Strategic Agility:Moving from Strategic Planning to

Strategic Thinking

Break for Lunch May 13, 2010

Workshop Objectives• What is meant by strategic thinking & agility

• How does an organization develop a strategic mindset?

• Some tools that may help

• Barriers to success

• How did they do it? Conservation Resource Alliance

• Questions

What isStrategic Thinking

• Culture that is open to dialogue & consideration of the possibilities

• Is a way of life- not a one time event• Involves posing & pondering important questions• Requires acceptance from the group that the

discussion may not have an immediate solution but is still crucial to success

• Is worthy of a leadership time• Requires the board’s engagement

Why is itimportant for nonprofits?

• Circumstances and the environment are going to change in unpredictable ways

• Speed of execution is often essential• Need to get comfortable with change• Positions organization to seize opportunities• Prevents conflict

What isa Strategic Thinking

Moving from

Yearly objectives Vision

Annual budget 3 to 5 year financial plan

Programs/ services Partnerships/Strategic Alliances

Management Leadership

Characteristics of a Strategic Thinker

• Someone without too many preconceived ideas; open minded

• Imaginative

• Risk-taker

• Team –builder

• Does not complain about what is wrong today but is aware of the needs of the future

• Looks at strengths not weaknesses of organization

• Thinks comprehensively not departmentally

• Gives equal weight to all program areas not just financial

• Looks for and thinks in terms of opportunities

• Feels comfortable with a compass not a roadmap

• Creates a climate for creative thinking

What is Strategic Agility?

The ability to sense and take advantage of opportunities by

planning and executing far reaching business changes swiftly and

effectively as needed.

What is Strategic Agility?

• The ability to constantly respond to changing environment & opportunities; adapt and adjust strategic direction

• Ability to increase capabilities quickly

How does an organization develop a strategic mindset?

• Creates opportunities for strategic discussions

• Learns together• Gets to know and trust members of the team• Acknowledges the value of diverse styles

and perspectives• Works at being comfortable with ambiguity,

discussion and debate

How does an organization develop a strategic mindset?

• Eliminate cynicism; avoid looking for negative• Humor• Read, observe, remain alert• Hire or work with strategic thinkers• Stop spending time on mundane or

unnecessary• Put strategic thinking into job descriptions,

performance appraisals

Some tools

• Consent agenda• Leadership style assessments• Scenario planning• Contingency budget• Ground rules• Decision matrix• Balanced scorecard• Dashboard report• Partnerships/ alliances

Barriers to Strategic Thinking & Agility

•Too many priorities•Inadequate information flow•Central command and control•Denial, nostalgia, and arrogance•Poor talent management practices•Lack of a systems thinking approach•The ‘power’ sits within functional silos•Running the nonprofit on an annual cadence•Inability to reprioritize resources when needed•Extensive job description/competencies ‘complex’

How didthey do it?

The Conservation Resource Alliance Story

Resources that will assist you

• www.northskynonprofitnetwork.org• www.boardsource.org • www.independentsector.org• www.boardcafe.org

Thank You

Contact NorthSky at:231.929.3934

Pam Evans231.929.3934, x 208pevans@northskynonprofitnetwork.org

Special Thank you to: