Implementing a strategic plan is about making change. Recognize that change is hard and will affect people differently. As an organization, you will need to commit to consistent and sustained efforts that center your strategic plan. Strategic plan success is closely tied to your nonprofit’s leadership and their ability to manage change within the organization. Communicate changes through clear and jargon-free messaging. Articulate why the change is needed and be sure to collect information from those affected to understand how the change will impact them. Supporting your nonprofit’s people through changes experienced during implementation is critical.
Aligning your nonprofit’s resources is essential to accomplishing your strategic plan. Your organizational structure needs to align with your strategic priorities. This may require updating position descriptions, clarifying roles and responsibilities, assessing training needs, or revisiting staffing and committee plans. Also, consider how performance reviews and rewards can help incentivize progress
around strategic priorities. Use your strategic plan to anchor your annual budget and fundraising efforts, and sequence the implementation of your strategic priorities to match with funding and resources needed to support their achievement.
Course corrections are expected and acceptable. A strategic plan is informed by the best information and data available during the process. Conditions can change, new opportunities may emerge, or unexpected challenges may arise. During the Implement stage, adapt to changing conditions and course-correct as needed. Do not abandon your strategic plan outright.
Celebrating accomplishments is important. As you implement your strategic plan, congratulate and thank contributors. Share your strategic framework or a short public version of your completed strategic plan with your supporters. Take time to appreciate all the work that went into achieving a goal before moving onto the next project. Work to create a culture of celebration and appreciation in your nonprofit.