Strategic planning – steps to success

To evolve and improve changes need to be made, however introducing something new is not as easy as it seems. Introducing something can have a big impact, positively or negatively on an organisation, so successful change needs to be well planned with clear focus and precision as it can save resources, reduce costs, improve culture and morale.

Being clear about the outcome provides a benchmark to measure success, but being successful wouldn’t exist without planning the journey. It’s all about successfully mapping out the journey into small, well organised and scheduled bite-size achievable steps.

Quality time needs to be allocated to introduce and implement the change including time to reflect and identify the present starting point.

Not everything that is introduced will be popular but change still requires requires a successful ‘buy in’, You can avoid almost all of the obstacles and barriers with proper planning and following these 5 steps to success.

Understanding vision, mission and values

It is important that colleagues understand the ‘big picture’ and change is not introduced for change’s sake. When you implement a successful change everyone is working in the same direction and how their contribution and commitment, irrespective of its size, will help their organisation succeed.

Clear focus

Everyone needs to understand what needs to be achieved. Priorities are clear, expectations are aligned, and everyone knows exactly what needs to happen to ‘cross the finish line’ on time.

Being clear about the steps makes it easier to measure success. While you can’t control every possible risk, you can manage it with a clear plan. Think of your plan as a living document that lets you keep a ‘thumb on the pulse’ as you progress through the steps and address issues before they become a major problem.

Effective communication

Good communication is essential when anything new is being introduced as it keeps everyone aligned and connected. Think of the best way to keep everyone updated — such as email, messaging , virtual meetings, shared documents, and more.

It is not about just sharing information but also making everyone aware of their responsibilities and departments are effective in coordinating their efforts.

Managing Workload

Anything new requires initially time and effort. Having a clear plan,with direction, enables you to map out a schedule that takes into account workload. Engaging your colleagues by allowing them to contribute their views and skills, makes them feel valued, as well as believing you are assisting them with their workload.

Effective resourcing

Successful change is brought about by successful use of resources, including staffing, equipment, finance and time. Without proper planning, it’s nearly impossible to make sure an organisation effectively allocates and uses resources in the most cost-effective and appropriate way.

You can’t avoid or ‘fight’ change, so change needs to be positively embraced. Successful planning gives you the flexibility to adapt to change so you have a better chance of achieving success. The importance of plan goes way beyond managing change itself. It has a direct impact on how employees feel about their workplace — and whether or not they leave or stay.

SchooliP is a single platform that makes it easy and cost effective to manage every aspect of school improvement, from staff to trust, from professional development to sustainability.

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