In the past few weeks I've had the privilege to facilitate Strategic Planning Retreats for two healthcare organizations. It's always an honor to work with talented, passionate leaders who are committed to achieving the greater good for their patients and their organizations. These leaders are devoted to making a positive impact. It was heartening at the end of the sessions to hear the outcomes that were generated and the next steps each organization's leadership committed to.Leaders often struggle with how to create an effective, productive session. The organizational development and change management tools in the Rising Stars toolkit are not always used by other internal or external facilitators.Here are ten factors to consider for better Strategic Planning and other Retreat outcomes:1. Begin with the end in mind - what is your goal for the session?2. What information do you need prior to the session?3. Review your Strategic Planning session agenda - does it flow to achieve the objective?4. How do you ensure everyone participates and feels safe sharing their ideas?5. How are participants chosen?6. What will help them come together to achieve the desired results?7. When was the last time you held a Strategic Planning session?8. What results did you follow through on?9. What was not as effective last time you wish to change?10. How to you plan to ensure accountability and follow through this time?Peter Drucker said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." If your culture will not support the new direction, it's important to work on the culture first. That's why the combination of organizational development and change tools executed with a follow through plan is essential to determine the great ideas at your retreat aren't buried until it's time to create a new plan. Be sure to integrate your culture into the planning and determine how to make certain you move forward in your desired direction according to your timeframe.Quotes"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare." - Japanese Proverb"You've got to think about big things while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction." - Alvin TofflerSpeaking, Events and TravelMar. 31 Infusionsoft ICON Conference, Phoenix, AZApr. 6 Post Acute Transitional Healthcare (PATH) Creating the Foundation: Leadership Strategies Operationalizing INTERACTâ„¢, Phoenix, AZApr. 10 Leading Change, Healthcare Leadership Program, Phoenix, AZApr. 23 Mentoring and Coaching Panel, Arizona Healthcare Executives, Phoenix, AZApr. 28-29 Improving Communication and Leveraging Your Strengths, Phoenix, AZApr. 29 SWOT Analysis, Board of Directors, Phoenix, AZ
