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FLEXIBLY VISIONING FORWARD: STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT + SCENARIO PLANNING
Truth:
Alignment is the key to organizational success in times of upheaval.
During times of upheaval and uncertainty, new approaches are needed—ones that focus on adaptability as a core principle, and clarity of purpose and values commitment as parameters for navigating choppy waters. We saw this during the Great Recession, during Illinois’ three years of state budget crisis, during the height of the pandemic. At an organizational level, we see it during times of unexpected leadership transition or other unexpected change.
To be clear: while traditional strategic planning with a set of three-year measurable goals and success metrics may not have a place in the current moment, this is also absolutely not the time to take our hands off the wheel or stop looking out at the horizon.
More than ever, it is essential that the Board and staff leadership are aligned and clear. So the Flexibily Visioning Forward process guides organizations through identifying and investigating their critical inquiry points such as:
Who are we as an organization, at our essence?
What are our lines in the sand, the values we will not abandon?
How will we make hard decisions when hard choices arrive?
What do we know for sure, and how can we build from there?
What are the questions we’re most afraid to ask?
Flexibly Visioning Forward is fully customized by organization but module options include:
retreat facilitation including guidance in navigating potentially difficult conversations including practices supporting nervous system regulation
program assessment
theory of change development or clarification
fundraising assessment
scenario exploration and development
mission and values language alignment
identification of high-level goals or guideposts
The process is designed to be modular, with customizations ranging from a single facilitated half-day leadership retreat to a more in-depth several-month process.
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