(How to plan a yearly strategy during a 2 hour Committee Meeting)
“ Hope is not a STRATEGY.” -Vince Lombardi
“A vision without a STRATEGY remains an illusion.” -Lee Bowman
“ There is only one growth STRATEGY : work hard.” -William Hague
“ STRATEGY without process is little more than a wish list.” -Robert Filek
Like most epiphanies, it started with a question…
“What are THREE AREAS of focus YoungLife could prioritize to promote HEALTH & GROWTH for the next 12 months?”
While pondering my response, I was struck that the question was a perfect example of the Strategic Process. It was clear, thought provoking, and demanded engagement. 3 areas of focus tied to 2 measurements for 1 year made me FOCUS. Focus allows you to say ‘No’ because you are clear on where you have to ‘Go’! Focus helps you identify what you are going to measure and determines your agenda. Talking with leaders, I’ve noticed that most have a vision and a plan but may NOT know it. Focus helps you get your vision and plan on paper and once you do that, you are well on your way!
Below is a simple 3 step process to discern strategic focus for your community. Just by devoting a few hours with key stakeholders to gather input, foster ownership and discern a plan then the outcome will be a simple, clear and compelling strategy for the next 12 months.
STEP ONE: CHOOSE 3 AREAS OF ‘SPECIFIC’ FOCUS
“ Always start at the end before you begin.” -Robert Kiyosaki
The ‘work’ of every Young Life area around the globe is separated into 5 Core Functions.
Direct Ministry
Spiritual Development
Resource Development
Ministry Support
Leadership Development
Now, pick 3 areas of specific focus for your community/context. Each area you choose will be tied to one of the Core Functions. These are areas of focus that you feel will bring the greatest ‘leveraged effect’ to your ministry. Basically, “if we focus HERE there will be a ripple effect throughout the YL Area.” A few other reminders:
DREAM OUT LOUD: Strategy is a group activity, and I think you will be amazed at the alignment that is revealed as you ask others the question at the top of this page. Staff, Committee, Key Leaders, Major Donors, and Respected Mentors should all be brought into the conversation.
TAKE A.I.M.(Areas, Impact, Measures): As you talk and pray about where to give focus, take AIM by focusing on specific Areas, with leveraged Impact, that will be easily measured.
MAJOR IN MAJORS: The ‘day to day’ running of a YL area has many elements but the goal of this exercise is to recognize where you will place a major ‘focus.’ In addition to what typically occurs over the year, where will you place specific emphasis?
STEP TWO: DETERMINE ‘ACTION STEPS’ TIED TO THESE 2 PRIORITIES - HEALTH AND GROWTH
“The essence of STRATEGY is choosing what not to do” -Michael Porter
Step 2, the job of every Staffer, Committee member, and Chair is to foster local Health and Growth. Health means you are rooted and growth means you’re maturing. As you develop your areas of focus, think specifically how they will affect the health and growth of the YL area. To help refine your next steps, consider these questions.
What other ‘good things’ will happen because of this focus?
How will this help us reach more kids?
What will be some of the unmistakable outcomes of health and growth?
Now think through some specific measures and outcomes that are ambitious but within reach. We have some examples in our sample 3-2-1 Strategic plan HERE. (Thank You Douglas County, CO Young Life!)
STEP THREE: KEEP THE FOCUS FOR 1 YEAR
“ STRATEGY is a fancy word for coming up with a long term plan and putting it into action.” -Ellie Pidot
This 3-2-1 strategy suggests you stay the course for at least one year and my guess is that when you ‘re-up’ or revamp your plan, you may extend it to a 2nd year or longer. Ministry moves slowly and culture takes time to take root. The biggest challenge I have witnessed watching others think strategically is our inability to stay comfortable and committed as we stick to a plan.
Now what? So, you have answered the question “What are three areas of focus Young Life could prioritize to increase health & growth for the next 12 months?” Now you get to relax. This plan is your Committee Agenda going forward. Jack Welch may have said it best.“ Strategy is actually very straightforward. You pick a general direction and implement it like crazy.” 3-2-1, Now GO!
*WANT TO TALK MORE?? We will have a short (1 hour) 3-2-1 Strategic Planning training for interested Committee Chairs and AD’s via zoom in the coming weeks. Email EMILY LEWIS to reserve a spot and receive details. (Spots are limited!)
Written by: Ken Tankersley