5 Questions Leaders Should Be Asking Right Now

In a recent conversation with peers, we noted the value of interval planning and that now is the time for boards and leaders to create space for sensemaking, scenario planning and emergent strategy. Given the economic and social landscape we find ourselves in, there will be impacts on how organizations operate, and likely on the demand for services and programs. It is crucial for leaders to be proactive, agile in their strategies and be responsive to real-time information and emerging trends.

Interval planning is a purpose-driven and developmental approach to “strategic planning.” It is an active process of adapting your strategy while staying mission-focused in complex, changing conditions. Interval planning allows strategies to be iteratively managed in short timelines, and through reflection and sensemaking on available data, decisions are made in real-time and strategy directives are adjusted accordingly.¹

5 Questions to Guide Leaders and Boards in Interval Planning:

1. Remaining true to your mission and values, what message(s) do you need to send, affirm or fortify? Given your spheres of influence and audiences, what communications platforms and approaches will you use?

2. Who do you need to connect, engage or collaborate with? What communities, coalitions or movements do you need to reconnect with or connect with?

3. Where are your vulnerabilities? What are the anticipated risks and threats to your programs and services?

4. What is needed at an operational level? What are staff experiencing, observing, and doing? How are you supporting staff and staff wellbeing during this time?

5. Given what you know now, what adjustments might you make to your strategic priorities? What needs to be shifted, prioritized or monitored by the board and leadership team over the next quarter?

   
   

Now is not the time for business as usual. Exploring these questions can help you keep your strategic and operational plans alive, relevant and responsive to changes in the ecosystem.

¹Definition created by www.changeopenly.com see full description here Interval Planning Definition and Model

Chanel Grenaway & Associates Inc. is committed to helping leaders, staff teams and boards align with their anti-racism and inclusion goals through continuous learning and practice change. Do you need support to start or accelerate your equity practice and outcomes? Happy to hop on a call with you to see how I might help. Let’s chat.