57. Five signs your department might need a strategic plan
We often talk about strategic plans for nonprofits, but what about for a department within a nonprofit?
Does every department need its own strategic plan? Not necessarily.
However, if your team is facing certain challenges, a strategic plan can make a big difference.
Here are five signs it might be time for your department to create one:
Your department is brand new
Starting a new department or team is exciting, but it is easy to feel unsure without a clear plan. A team-level strategic plan will give your department a strong foundation by outlining its purpose, setting goals, and mapping out the steps to succeed from the very beginning. It will also help you build sustainably as you onboard new people.
Your nonprofit’s overarching strategy has changed significantly
If your organization has recently shifted direction, your department may need to adjust its goals to stay aligned. A departmental strategic plan will help you figure out how your team fits into the bigger picture, ensuring you stay aligned with the new strategy. It will also help identify any skill gaps that need to be addressed to execute effectively.
Lack of clear direction
Is your team unsure of what to do next? Are priorities constantly changing, or do problems keep popping up? If you are making decisions on the fly or do not know how to measure success, it is a sign your department lacks direction. A team-level strategic plan will provide a clear path, set priorities, and establish measurable goals to track progress.
Resources are spread too thin
Is your team overworked, burned out, or making frequent mistakes? Maybe morale is low, or turnover is high. A departmental strategic plan can help you evaluate your priorities, assess current and future resources, and use them wisely. This can prevent burnout and keep your team focused on what truly matters.
Not collaborating well with other units
Is your department having trouble working with other teams? Maybe duties are overlapping, there is little support from other departments, or you are facing constant pushback. A team-level strategic plan can help clarify your department’s role, how it fits with the others, improve communication, and make collaboration with other teams easier.
If you recognize any of these signs, it is time to think about creating a strategic plan for your department. It often works best when there is a clear nonprofit strategic plan, so your department’s plan can align with broader goals. However, even without an overarching nonprofit strategic plan, an interim departmental plan can still be valuable to keep your team focused.
A simple or “lite touch” departmental plan can be created in just a few days or weeks. The key is to make sure there is alignment and support from your leadership and your team.
Need help getting started? Our DIY Strategic Plan program can guide you in creating a focused, practical plan for your department. Join to develop a strategic plan “by your team, for your team” at just 10% of typical consulting fees.
