Toward an Understanding of Strategic Planning/Management

1. Toward an Understanding of Strategic Planning/Management

2. Typical Administrative Day The threat of being captured by “the” daily crises • • the missing purchase order • personnel problems • custodial no show • parent complaint • the roof is leaking • new legislation • changing test standards • “60 Minutes” wants to interview you

3. Without A Roadmap Organizations Flounder • Emergence of Strategic Planning or Continuous Improvement Plans • Emerging Body of Research on Planning, Especially about “poor” planning.

4. Traditional Characteristics of a Strategic Plan • Yearlong process • Multitudes • Needs assessment (external & internal) • Mission & vision statements • Statements of Beliefs • Goal statements

5. Traditional Characteristics of a Strategic Plan (cont.) • Action steps • Objectives • Assessments • Timelines • Glossy binder • Kumbaya

6. More Than Having a Plan • A document or series of workshops to develop a strategic plan does not translate into organization discipline, focus, or achievement • The Enron Corporation and Comcast both had a Strategic Plan.

7. The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning “You might as well dance naked around a campfire as to go to one more sacramental [strategic ] planning meeting” Gary Hammel, Harvard Business School as quoted by Dr. M. Smoker

8. Characteristics of Failure • Failure is often characterized by: • Too many goals • Confusing goals with objectives • Too many objectives • Failure to link goals and objectives to student achievement • Too long term vs. short term

9. More Characteristics of Failure • Minimal buy-in by staff • Failure to celebrate successes • Failure to link to CEO/staff evaluation & compensation • Lack of transparency • Weak skill sets in designing and implementing a meaningful plan

10. Evolution • Despite all the criticisms, strategic plans survive and have evolved into essential tools for high-performing organizations. • Lessons from Chief Strategy Officers: • AIG • Accenture • Pepsico • Motorola

11. Focus the Organization • “…changes in the landscapes, new regulations, complexities, struggle to be on top of everything…” Harvard Business Review, ‘The Chief Strategy Officer,’ Breene, Nunes, and Shill. • The need to simplify multiple demands, focus the organization, align resources and maintain a culture that is positive for children. • Dysfunction occurs when the “adult” problems overshadow the “student” problems. Schools exist for the children not the adults.

12. Why “Next Generation” Strategic Plans Are Valued • Provide organizational focus and discipline • Clarify responsibilities • Provide formative assessment of organization progress • Articulate activities agreed upon for successful implementation • Communicate direction to stakeholders – minimize ambiguity • Common language and vocabulary • Executes organization’s mission

13. What Does a “Next Generation” Strategic Plan Look Like? One that is successfully managed! • Goals are broad statements of intent, timeless – Instructional Achievement for Students • Most educational organizations have 5-6 goals, typically centered around: • Instruction • Staff Development • Community Engagement • Management/Operations • Student Services & Enrichment • Financial

14. What Does a “Next Generation” Strategic Plan Look Like? One that is managed! • Objectives are specific statements of what the organization is to do in a prescribed period of time • Example: 80 percent of students shall demonstrate improved writing skills through the district wide implementation of grade level writing rubrics by the end of the academic year.

15. Elements of the Plan • Work Plan: Activities that are necessary to accomplish the objective • Identifying responsible parties, timelines and resources

16. Work Plans/CIP

17. Work Plans

18. Work/CIP Plan Timelines: Key Management Elements Timelines: August: Work session for leadership team to identify annual objectives a) Thoughtfully write objectives and work plans b) Share and gain input with Board of Directors c) Share and gain input with staff September: Post on website, share with stakeholders, launch activities October–June: Monthly/Biweekly updates – formative January: Written assessment of progress on the plan July: Written evaluation on the plan – review data.

19. Additional Considerations • Administrative Compensation: Merit Pay • Celebration of Accomplishments • Outside Perspective - Another Set of Eyes

20. Short Term Objectives Vs. Long

21. Example: Anytown Schools Anytown Schools: 2008-2009 • Our Mission is to provide world class academic opportunities so that our students can succeed in a changing world.

22. Example: Anytown Schools Our Organizational Goals: I. To provide quality instructional programming II. To develop and promote human resources through staff development III. To develop and demonstrate managerial and operational excellence IV. To develop sustainable community partnerships V. To develop financial resources and procedures that accomplish our mission VI. To develop and implement student services that reinforce the academic mission of our school

23. Example: Anytown Schools Anytown’s Needs • Instructional Program: Writing process • Staff Development: AYP Gap in Middle School • Policy Development: Board and Administrative Policies outdated and missing • Creation of a Foundation: Supplemental source of income • Health and Wellness Program: Students identified with weight-related health problems

24. Example: Anytown Schools Our Organizational Goals: • To provide quality instructional programming • 80 % of students shall demonstrate improved writing skills through the district wide implementation of grade level writing rubrics by the end of the academic year. II. To develop and promote human resources through staff development III. To develop and demonstrate managerial and operational excellence IV. To develop sustainable community partnerships V. To develop financial resources and procedures that accomplish our mission VI. To develop and implement student services that reinforce the academic mission of our school