Use your questions to identify the type of support you need
Your QuestioN:
How do I ensure that all related work is moving us in the direction that we want to move?
Strategic framework development
This work can include definition of outcomes, engagement with stakeholders, review of available data, definition of needed data, development of performance measures, depending on what is needed. Approaches include results-oriented management and if-then framing to ensure the mental models and evidence base describing how outcomes will be achieved are clear to all participants and fully documented.
Your Question:
How do I ensure that my stakeholders continue to be a part of the solution?
stakeholder engagement
When stakeholders are well aligned at the start, stakeholder engagement ensures they stay connected to progress and that their input is readily provided. When stakeholders are not well-aligned, stakeholder engagement requires tools for facilitation, value-focused thinking, and goal building based on shared objectives. The end product is an understanding of where the agreements are, where the disagreements are, and an ability to move forward on the shared priorities.
Your QUestion:
How can I make sure I take advantage of all my existing data and have the data I need to move forward?
Analysis of data needs
The goals and objectives will be defined by data. Performance measures that can provide signals as to the accomplishment of the goals and objectives are also made up of data. However, it is often the case that the data that best tells the story of the goals and objectives, and sometimes of the performance measures, does not exist. This capability area entails carefully reviewing available data to ensure that the most value is extracted from those sources. This capability will also identify potential options for filling data gaps to meet the expectations of the stakeholders, as expressed in their goals and objectives.
Your Question:
How do I incorporate the needed elements into my plan to make sure we stay on track?
implementation of strategic direction
This work includes communicating progress, managing work to move towards the desired future state defined by the strategy, data collection, reporting on progress, responding to lags in performance, adjusting the strategy. Can be designed to align with existing performance measurement requirements, or if there is not a system that needs to be used, a performance management plan can be created that is as simple as possible to provide the needed tools.
Your Question:
How do I ensure that everyone's voice is heard so that we can move forward together?
Facilitation
Providing a third party to engage all stakeholders in a discussion and decision making process is a well-accepted way to move a strategic process forward. This type of work would involve planning, meeting preparation, meeting facilitation and follow up to ensure the work of the group has the desired impact.
Contact me at kara@quantpolicystrategies.com if you want to discuss some ideas for moving forward.