🧠 Work Smarter, Not Harder: The First Step in Successful Strategic Planning

In the fast-paced world of mission-driven work, time and clarity are priceless. If you're embarking on a strategic planning journey, the key to success isn't just hard work—it’s smart preparation.

Welcome to Step 1: Prepare and Align—the foundational phase that makes or breaks your entire planning process.

🔹 Why Preparation Matters

Before you jump into brainstorming big goals or dreaming up the future, it's essential to build a solid structure that sets the stage for meaningful progress. Strategic planning without alignment is like building a house without a blueprint. It may stand—but not for long.

🧭 Step 1: Prepare and Align

🎯 Goal:

Lay the groundwork for a successful, collaborative, and efficient planning process.

✅ Key Actions:

• Define the Purpose and Scope

  Be clear on why you’re creating the plan and what it will cover.

• Assemble the Right Team

  Include leadership, staff, and stakeholders with diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Their input = your insight.

• Set a Realistic Timeline and Communication Plan

  Decide how often you’ll meet and through what methods—email, Zoom, in-person? Planning is only effective when people stay connected.

• Revisit Mission, Vision, and Core Values

  This is your North Star. Make sure everyone is on the same page before moving forward.

💡 Recommendation:

Top leadership and community partners must be actively involved, not just present. Their engagement sets the tone. Ensure your team is aligned on expectations, roles, and the purpose of the planning process to avoid confusion later.

🚀 Want More Tools to Work Smarter?

This is just one piece of a powerful toolkit designed to help you plan better, lead stronger, and waste less time. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start working with clarity and direction, we’ve got you covered. JANELLE TAVERAS PHD is here to help and offer strategic planning services and more.

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