Strategic Planning Study Guide Flashcards
paragraph form
How does an agency make a strategic plan work?
To make a strategic plan work, an agency needs strong leadership to drive the plan, engage key stakeholders for support, and create clear action steps. Regular monitoring helps track progress, while performance measures guide decisions. The agency should develop policies to support the plan and be flexible, making changes as needed based on feedback and new information.
What is a Strategic Plan?
A strategic plan is a clear, organized process that helps an agency or organization set goals, define its direction, and create action steps to achieve its mission. It guides decision-making, prioritizes efforts, and helps track progress over time. It’s a living document that adapts as the agency evolves and the environment changes.
Performance measurement as it relates to a strategic plan
Performance measurement in a strategic plan involves tracking progress toward the goals and objectives set in the plan. It uses specific metrics or indicators to assess how well the agency is performing and whether it is meeting its targets. Regularly measuring performance helps identify areas for improvement, ensures that actions are effective, and provides data to make informed decisions for adjusting or refining the plan.
7 Rules for Performance Measures:
Tied to goals
Simple to understand
Regularly checked
Easy to access
Based on standards or benchmarks
Quantifiable (can be measured)
Has clear targets or goals to reach
This makes it easier to track and ensure success!
Key Parts of Measurable Objectives:
Specific: Clear and focused
Measurable: Can track success
Attainable: Realistic and achievable
Relevant: Aligns with overall goals
Time-Based: Has a deadline or timeframe
Six parts of a strategic plan:
Mission: Why the organization exists
Vision: What the organization wants to become
Goals: What the organization wants to achieve
Environmental Scan: What needs to be addressed (like a SWOT analysis)
Measurable Objectives: How to track progress toward goals
Strategies: Action steps to reach the goals
Is strategic planning continuous?
A strategic plan is continuous because it’s always evolving and adapting. It’s not a one-time event; the plan is regularly reviewed, updated, and adjusted as circumstances change. As goals or objectives shift, the plan adapts to stay relevant. It involves ongoing assessments, feedback, and environmental scans to ensure the agency stays on track and responsive to new challenges or opportunities.
How can a strategic plan be used as a guide?
A strategic plan acts as a guide by giving clear direction and helping the organization stay focused on its goals. It helps with decision-making, tracking progress, and making sure actions align with the mission. When needed, it helps get back on track “to their North Star” and shows how the organization is meeting its goals. It can also be used for budget requests and to prove success.
Difference between Goal, Measurable Objective, and Strategy?
Goal: What you want to achieve (the big picture).
Measurable Objective: How you will measure progress toward the goal (specific and trackable).
Strategy: The action steps you take to reach the goal.
In short, goals define what you want, measurable objectives track how you’ll get there, and strategies are the steps to make it happen.
Why involve stakeholders in planning?
Gains support: They’re more likely to support the plan if they’re involved.
Provides valuable input: They may offer important information and ideas.
Helps with resources: Stakeholders can provide funding or other resources.
Improves buy-in: Being part of the process makes them more likely to help implement it.
Broadens perspective: They offer insights into the situation from different viewpoints.
In short, involving stakeholders ensures the plan is more successful and has the support it needs
How to do an environmental scan?
Conduct a SWOT analysis: Identify the organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (real or perceived).
Look at internal and external factors: Understand what’s happening inside the organization and in the external environment that could impact the plan.
Engage stakeholders: Involve key people to get their input and ensure the plan reflects a broad perspective.
Identify critical issues: Focus on the most important factors that need to be addressed to move forward.
an environmental scan helps the organization understand where it stands and what needs attention.
How is a strategic plan a leadership tool?
Creates buy-in: Leaders can get employees on board by clearly explaining the plan.
Engages employees: It helps employees understand their role and the organization’s mission.
Clarifies priorities: Leaders can use the plan to identify and focus on what’s most important.
Guides decision-making: The plan helps leaders make informed choices that align with long-term goals.
Defines key tasks: It helps leaders pinpoint mission-critical actions for the team to focus on.
a strategic plan helps leaders guide the organization, make decisions, and engage their teams effectively.
Why is a strategic plan a process, not just a document?
It’s ongoing: The plan is constantly reviewed and updated as circumstances change.
It builds over time: Each step or phase of the plan adds to the next, creating a continuous flow.
It adapts: As goals or objectives shift, the plan evolves to stay relevant.
It’s systematic: The plan guides actions and decisions in a structured way.
It involves analysis: The plan is based on ongoing assessments of progress and external factors.
a strategic plan is a living process that adapts and evolves to keep the organization on track toward its goals.
Why do public safety agencies need a quality strategic plan?
Public safety agencies need a quality strategic plan because it helps them set clear goals, focus their efforts, and stay on track. The plan shows the agency’s importance, provides direction, and ensures transparency. It also helps identify strengths and weaknesses, track progress, and guide improvements. Overall, a strategic plan ensures the agency is working efficiently toward its mission.
