What Ms. Amidon and Ms. Kehrle bring to an organization is clarity and focus – in direction and activity. They help an organization articulate and apply its mission, vision and values and determine where it wants to be in three years, five years, ten years.
Results would include developing long-range goals and objectives for the organization and creating a three-year plan with a current-year action plan. In situations where a strategic alliance or joint venture is being contemplated, the facilitated planning process would include feasibility assessment and strategies, along with a detailed transition plan.
The facilitators use “compression planning” to develop the plans. The “compression” aspect is particularly attractive to board members, as well as staff. Additionally, this low-tech approach is accessible without requiring investment or expertise on the part of the organization or participants.
The results of the planning process include a measurable action plan, accountability, documentation, consensus and buy-in.
1) The first step assesses the current situation, which results in a brief summary of the facts that brought the organization to this point. It also highlights future issues and concerns.
2) Then the facilitator(s) provide a design, or outline, which will enable planning session participants to determine what has to be accomplished.
3) Next, the participants are guided through the design and an action planning process that details who will do what and assigns timelines and measurables.
5) As a follow-up, the facilitator(s) will meet with the organization’s leadership at an agreed upon interval to review progress and offer suggestions for staying on track.
|
Activity |
Deliverable |
|
Initial meeting, planning |
Background, goals, objectives |
|
Prepare design |
Session design |
|
Facilitate session |
Buy-in, ownership |
|
Documentation |
Verbatim report, action plans |
|
Deliver, review plans |
Verbatim report, action plans |
|
Follow-up meeting |
Assessment of progress |