But, there are many tools to help with the process:
- SMARTER approach to articulate goals:
Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Time-Frame, Extending, Rewarding - Environmental scan & SWOT analysis
- Strategic planning methods
Strategic planning methods incorporate mission, vision and values of the organization.
Mission statements, values statements and strategic plans are broad, but goals are more specific.
A vision statement is concise, exciting and challenging. It paints an ideal picture of what the end products/services should look like. It provides guidance for future thinking.
A values statement is a concise listing of operational priorities. It is the chance to get input from staff.
Do a SWOT to determine the mission, develop value statements by getting input from others in order to create a vision and specify the mission, then make a strategic plan to create action steps that reflect the mission.
3 categories of plans:
Strategic long term (2 - 5 yrs.) The prerogative of senior and middle mngmnt. Mission & Vision are important.
Tactical mid term (6 mo. - 2 yrs.) Middle mngmnt and supervisors. Objectives and goals are important.
Operational short term (1 day - 1 yr.) Generated by individuals, teams, supervisors, middle managers. Procedures and rules are important.
In my department, we have to plan the number of hours our student workers have every week in order to make sure the budget will last the entire year. The budget is determined by the administration (a different department, or service, of the library.). Last year we had to cut most of the student hours during the summer because we had used all of the student money through out the year. This year, we've been far more careful to plan the number of hours exactly in order to ensure we have adequate student help all summer long. Just a small real-life example of strategic planning!
~ Katherine
Planning is so important! Right now, GRRL is conducting a "Compensation and Class Study" as part of the Strategic Plan. Every staff member has had to complete a survey of all of our tasks, educations, job experience required for the job, etc. It was very time consuming to complete, but was required as a part of the strategic plan.
Project Management is important for planning, because it is a way to reach a goal from start to finish. Projects have 4 stages: define project, plan project, execute project and complete the project.
~ Tina
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