Strategic Planning or Strategic Choking?
Posted on | July 21, 2009 | No Comments
Scene One: I am called in to meet with a board of directors. They would like me to facilitate a strategic planning process for them. This will be my fourth strategic planning engagement with this organization, spanning almost 20 years. The board members are peppering me with the usual questions: How much will it cost? How long with it take? Can we meet on Saturdays? Etc., etc. Suddenly a board member blurts out, “Marcia, every time you come in
here and do strategic planning, someone leaves.” The energy in the room shifts to tension.
Time out.
My external reaction: Calm, cool, collected.
My internal reaction: Panic, fear and anxiety, accompanied with thoughts such as, “I am totally incompetent” and “I better find a way to crawl to the door without flying objects hitting me.”
Resume Action: I stand there looking like the consummate facilitator, thoughtful and nonplussed. I allow the silence to settle. After what seems like a century, another board member pipes up, “Of course! Every time we do strategic planning we get clear on our direction, how we will use our resources and how we will achieve our goals. When we get clear, some people decide that’s not the future they want. They decide to move on, while the
people who embrace the vision recommit.”
There is a palpable shift in energy and the rest of the board nods enthusiastically in agreement. They sign the deal.
What lessons can you take away from my experience?
1. Strategic planning, if done well, brings clarity of direction.
2. Silence can be your friend. Allow it.
3. There is wisdom in the room even if it’s not yours.
4. Look cool even if you don’t feel cool.
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