Overcoming Board Reluctance to Invest in Strategic Planning: Why It Matter Now
Many nonprofit CEOs feel like they’re navigating in the dark, unsure of how to reach their vision. Strategic planning is an essential tool that reveals options and creates pathways toward that vision.
However, getting board buy-in for strategic planning can be a challenge. Many boards hesitate to invest in it because they need to solve current challenges. This mindset—”we don’t have time for the future with so much on our plate now”—overlooks the immediate and critical gains future planning can deliver, including finding a clear path toward the vision.
Let’s explore how strategic planning provides immediate and long-term value so you can effectively make the case to your board.
Common Assumptions and Realities
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Assumption: Strategic planning is only for long-term goals.
Reality: Boards often view strategic planning as a tool to define future goals. While that’s true, its real power lies in uncovering opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden and deftly addressing today’s and tomorrow’s needs.
“Planning is frequently misunderstood as making future decisions, but decisions exist only in the present.” —Peter Drucker
Why Strategic Planning Matters Now: It’s not just about future goals; it infuses now with purpose and direction.
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Assumption: Our immediate needs are more important than strategic planning.
Reality: Strategic planning doesn’t just plan for the future—it catalyzes immediate action on delayed necessities. Early in the process, the board will be able to identify and greenlight essentials from their backlog and overcome inertia.
Why Strategic Planning Matters Now? The strategic planning process helps leaders identify priorities and tackle overdue essentials.
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Assumption: Strategic plans are too theoretical and slow to impact.
Reality: Strategic planning isn’t slow or abstract—it offers feedback throughout the process and finds immediate opportunities. Engaging stakeholders in reimagining the nonprofit’s future creates excitement, buy-in, and tangible results within weeks. The process doesn’t just plan for the future; it reinvigorates organizations today.
Why Strategic Planning Matters Now? It sparks energy and engagement across the organization, driving immediate actions and long-term success.
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Assumption: Strategic planning sidesteps present challenges.
Reality: It opens talks about long-term and current issues, often resolving buried concerns, reducing tension, and fostering a positive environment. The process brings problems to light for consideration, healing, and fixing.
Why Strategic Planning Matters Now? It fosters dialogue, often healing strained relationships and aligning stakeholders for a more unified future.
The power of listening and connecting stakeholders is a vital part of the process, as one CEO shares:
“Karen is the real deal. She listens deeply, evaluates needs effectively, and develops actionable plans that make sense. Karen connects the dots and empowers colleagues and supporters to bring those plans to life. Her ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable insights is extraordinary. In my experience, finding someone who can do all of this—and deliver a final product that’s both useful and transformative—is rare. Karen is a rare find and a pleasure to work with.” Barbara St. Clair, former CEO Creative Pinellas
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Assumption: Strategic planning has nothing to do with supporters who have drifted away.
Reality: Strategic planning is an opportunity to re-engage people. You can rekindle interest and draw individuals back into active participation by reaching out during the listening phase.
Why Strategic Planning Matters Now? It’s an opportunity to re-engage lapsed stakeholders, inviting honest dialogue and participation.
“The Strategic Plan immediately opened doors and started conversations.”-Nashid Madyun, Executive Director, Florida Humanities
The Bottom Line: Ending the Myth That Strategic Planning is Only About the Future
Strategic planning addresses today’s challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term success. It energizes stakeholders, renews focus, and creates change. Moreover, it equips nonprofit CEOs committed to leading their organizations to new heights with the roadmap they need to succeed.
Is your board hesitant? Let’s talk about addressing your immediate challenges while paving the way for a successful future.
