Strategic Planning: The Lean, Mean and Smart Way
by Susan O’Donnell
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Overview
This article suggests practical strategies, is easy to read, and will help people to overview the process of change before they begin. O’Donnell reminds leaders of change that the process is as important as the product. She echoes Michael Fullan’s view that active engagement of the community in the process is an ethical issue, and will improve the quality of the outcomes.
She suggests that principals (and a small team) need to do their own thinking and preparation before embarking on strategic planning, reminding themselves that the purpose is improvement of students’ learning. It is also important to focus on key areas that need improvement, rather than trying to do everything at once.
The article makes suggestions about practical ways to engage and consult the community, ways to involve students in the process, and how to keep everyone involved by providing regular feedback as things go along. Another important recommendation in the article is to use regular systems, structures and meeting times to undertake major change and review. “It is … important that the school’s approach has a ‘best fit’ with the realities of its internal capacity and culture”. This will improve people’s willingness and readiness to engage with the processes of making major change.
This would be an excellent article to share with the board and staff before beginning a major strategic planning exercise as it provides an overview of the process, and the importance of managing it well to engage collective responsibility. It is a reminder to be open, to celebrate achievements along the way, and to build in ongoing review of progress.
Reflective questions
These reflective questions might guide you in your reading of this article:
- What are your priorities for improving students’ learning in your school? On what are they based? Is there common agreement about these issues?
- What actions might you take to create the right climate for leading strategic planning in your school? Consider ways in which regular structures and meetings can be used for the consultation process.
- How could your students be engaged in contributing their views about how the school can best meet their needs and improve their learning experiences and outcomes?
References
O’Donnell, S. (2007). Strategic planning: The lean, mean and smart way. Unpublished paper, Catholic Education Office at Hobart, Australia.
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