For two marvelous years, I had the pleasure of being the top planner in the Air Force. The learning experience was extraordinary.
Helping the military as well as corporations, churches, and non-profits with long-range planning have been great fun. Here are a few techniques that can be used in any organization, for-profit or nonprofit, large or small.
- Never make any important decision without considering the long-term implications. Here are a few examples. When Saint Paul’s church decided to complete the upper rooms, it was decided to make them very attractive. Extra funds were spent in hopes the rooms could attract wedding receptions, conferences, civic clubs, etc. No corners were cut. Fourteen years after completion, the rooms have been a success and very helpful in support of the church’s annual budget.
- In a long planning session with board members of the Augusta Museum of History, a decision was made to establish two new annual fund-raising events. The results of the Jimmie Dyess Symposium and the Night at the Museum events have been very rewarding. The museum budget is in good shape as a result.
- Thanks to the encouragement of Ann Boardman, the Christ Community Health established an endowment in 2020. In less than three years, it has reached the $500,000 level.
- When considering the annual budget, the Board of the Augusta Museum of History felt the long-term expenses for electricity could be significantly reduced if solar panels were installed on the roof. Panels have been purchased and will be installed soon. Hopefully, other public and private buildings will follow the lead of the museum.
- Every three years, all organizations should have a half-day strategic planning session. First-class facilitators should be hired to lead the discussions. Brainstorming techniques should be used (manual or electronic or both) and wild, creative ideas should be encouraged. After new initiatives are agreed upon, implementation strategies need to be created.
- Every year, the strategic plan needs to be reviewed. The question to be asked is: Have recent decisions been in support of the strategic plan?
- Whenever a candidate for employment in the professional ranks of your organization is interviewed, planning questions need to be asked and evaluated. Also, it is important to evaluate the intellectual depth of any candidate. Ask questions such as: What good books have you read lately? What are your long-term goals? What experience have you had with long-range planning?
- Finally, joining the World Future Society is highly recommended. The WFS produces an electronic magazine that is well worth reading regularly.
Perry Smith has published seven books. His most successful, with 350,000 in print, is Rules and Tools for Leaders. Jeff Foley is the co-author of the 4th edition. The book can be found on amazon.com.
