1. Building Toward Strategic Priorities
- Previous step: assessing context (SWOT, PESTLE, Five Forces, etc.).
- Current step: defining the envisioned future → moving from present reality to desired state.
2. From–To Assessment
- Tool: Compare “Where are we now?” vs. “Where do we want to be (3–5 years)?” Purpose: clarify the current and future state, and the gaps between them.
- Gaps reveal: magnitude of the challenge; possible sequencing/steps needed for transition; difficulty of the journey and resourcing requirements.
3. Importance of Specificity
- The clearer the future vision, the easier it is to chart the transition path. Focus areas: Constituent/Customer satisfaction (impact on those served); Growth & outcomes (economic results, fruitfulness, reach); Organisational capacity (funds, staffing, skills, systems, technology).
4. SMART Goals Framework
- Specific → clearly defined, concrete.
- Measurable → tied to metrics, trackable progress.
- Achievable → realistic, not demoralising.
- Relevant → meaningful, challenging enough to stretch capacity.
- Time-bound → deadlines or timelines for accountability.
- SMART ensures goals are practical and actionable, not vague aspirations.
5. Link to Strategic Priorities
- The From–To assessment + SMART goals = foundation for deciding big priorities.
- Sets the stage for the next step: clarifying and articulating which priorities matter most in the strategic plan.