Feeling overwhelmed by strategic planning? You're not alone and don’t have to do it alone.

Feeling overwhelmed by strategic planning? You're not alone and don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or realigning your organization’s vision, JANELLE TAVERAS PHD, is here to guide you with clarity, structure, and proven expertise.

Strategic planning isn’t just about creating a document — it’s about building a roadmap that connects your mission and values to real-world results. With the right process, you can move from uncertainty to confidence, from ideas to impact.

Here’s a practical breakdown of the essential steps and best practices to help you create a strategic plan that’s focused, flexible, and designed for action:

🔹 1. Prepare and Align

Goal: Lay the groundwork for a successful planning process.

Key Actions:

• Define the purpose and scope of the strategic plan.

• Assemble a diverse strategic planning team (leadership, staff, stakeholders).

• Establish a timeline and communication plan (frequency and modality of meetings).

• Clarify the organization's mission, vision, and core values.

Recommendation: Ensure top leadership is actively engaged and that team members are aligned in purpose and expectations.

🔹 2. Conduct an Environmental Scan

Goal: Understand the current state of the organization and its operating environment.

Key Actions:

• Evaluate external factors using a PESTLE Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental). This can be modified to what is most important to your organization.

• Review internal data, stakeholder feedback, trends, epidemiologic data, needs assessments, and benchmarking.

• Conduct an internal analysis to identify existing resources and constraints.

• Perform an Environmental Scan (Situational Analysis) with a SWON Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Next Steps). I don’t recommend ending with “Threats”, “Next Steps” sets the tone for moving forward with a plan of action.

Recommendation: Include both quantitative data (KPIs, finances) and qualitative insights (staff input, client stories).

🔹 3. Define Strategic Priorities and Goals

Goal: Translate insights into clear strategic focus areas.

Key Actions:

• Identify 3–5 major strategic priorities or pillars.

• Establish SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) under each priority.

• Align goals with mission and vision.

Recommendation: Prioritize a manageable number of goals to avoid overwhelm and focus efforts.

🔹 4. Develop Strategies and Activities (“Initiatives” work here too)

Goal: Determine how each goal will be accomplished.

Key Actions:

• Brainstorm and evaluate strategies for each goal.

• Identify key activities/initiatives or projects that support each strategy.

• Assign responsible owners for each activity/initiative.

• Develop budgets, timelines, and needed resources.

Recommendation: Use logic models or theory of change tools to link activities to outcomes.

🔹 5. Establish Metrics and Evaluation Methods

Goal: Track progress and ensure accountability.

Key Actions:

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes.

• Set up a data collection and reporting process.

• Create a dashboard or progress tracker.

• Establish review cycles (quarterly or bi-annually).

Recommendation: Include both leading indicators (predict future success) and lagging indicators (measure past performance).

🔹 6. Create a Communication and Implementation Plan

Goal: Ensure the plan is actionable and understood by all.

Key Actions:

• Draft a clear, accessible summary of the strategic plan.

• Develop a rollout strategy for internal and external audiences.

• Hold kickoff meetings and provide training or tools.

• Assign champions or ambassadors to build momentum.

Recommendation: Use visuals (timelines, infographics, roadmaps) to improve engagement.

🔹 7. Monitor, Evaluate, and Adapt

Goal: Keep the plan dynamic and relevant.

Key Actions:

• Conduct regular progress check-ins.

• Review and revise based on performance data and feedback.

• Celebrate milestones and share success stories.

• Adjust strategies or goals as needed due to changing conditions.

Recommendation: Build a culture of continuous improvement and strategic agility.

✅ Bonus Tips for a Strong Strategic Plan

• Stay mission-focused: Every goal should connect to your larger purpose.

• Engage diverse stakeholders: Involve board members, staff, clients, and partners.

• Be realistic: Plan within your capacity and resource availability.

• Think long-term, act short-term: Set a vision for 3–5 years, but plan in 12–18 month action steps.

• Document everything: Use templates or software to organize your plan.

If you or your organization are ready to develop a clear, actionable, and results-driven strategic plan, Dr. Janelle Taveras, PhD, is here to help. With expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and impact-driven consulting, Dr. Taveras provides tailored guidance to help you move from vision to execution with clarity and confidence.

📞 Schedule a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore how strategic planning can unlock growth and impact for your team.

Discovery Call (Free 15-minutes)

15

Book Now

📄 Want a head start? Download an editable Strategic Plan Template directly from www.empoweringlives.online — or simply email janelletaveras@hotmail.com to receive the template free of charge.

Strategic Plan Template

Buy Now

Let’s build a strategy that works—because your mission deserves a powerful plan.