When should we update our plans?

When to Update a Strategic Plan

• Ministry-Altering Events (Crises)

• Example: Government shutdowns, revoked licenses, and new regulations.
• Plans may become obsolete overnight.
• Built-in contingency + review = ability to pivot (e.g., from radio → digital, reaching more people than before).
• Lesson: Crises should trigger review and adaptation.

2. New Opportunities

• Example: Moving from print distribution → digital/video content.
• Rapid change demands constant rethinking (“adaptive planning”).
• Lesson: Opportunities are just as strong a reason to update as crises.

3. Performance Check

• Exceeding goals → Review plan to be more ambitious.
• Falling behind → don’t just “try harder”; reassess assumptions, priorities, and goals.
• Lesson: Regular review keeps the plan realistic and relevant.

4. Ongoing Learning

• Execution teaches new lessons → apply learning by updating plan.
• Keeps the plan a living, current tool for leadership and decision-making.

5. Time & Rhythm

• Strategic planning is heavy work → build review into your annual rhythm (like budgeting).
• Involve the right people, data, and meetings.
• Stakeholders (board, donors) expect regular updates.
• Lesson: The simple passage of time is itself a trigger for review.