Sunday, December 2, 2018

The Benefits Of A Strategic Planning Workshop Facilitation

By Jessica Cole


Every organization runs with some sort of end goal in mind. These goals are many and sundry, the possibilities are endless, but they are usually achievable. However, there are cases when the organization is merely running in perpetual circles, speeding up and pressing down on the pedal with seemingly no end in sight, in fact very much comparable to a hamster on a running wheel. In order to set this metaphorical rodent free from this rat race, one would need to tailor some strategic planning workshop facilitation.

When companies need to straighten out or reestablish something, they usually hold a meeting of sorts. However, when they admittedly need some sprucing and vamping up, workshops are the way to go. These workshops are something that will get the org through its trodden path and opt out of any other unnecessary and irrelevant involvements.

In its basic delineation, a workshop is defined as a meeting in which constituents engage in an intensive discussion, zeroing in on a particular subject. These meeting usually touch on some or more of the following. Theres management briefing, and then situation assessment. The org may also want to make clear its strategic direction, or else need some briefing on implementation planning.

Strengths have to do with their mastery and capabilities, or what makes them strong and able as an organization. It gives them the leverage which other competitors seemingly cant hold a candle up to. Weaknesses are, predictably, the exact opposite. They are what threatens the effective or actual accomplishment of goals. Threats are the adverse elements, either circumstances or other entities, that impede the establishment of objectives.

Strategic decisions are therefore imperative, but making them is yet another quandary. For some organizational planning experts, three elements are contributive to successful strategic decisions. Structured conversation among the members of the group is said to aid in its fruition. Opportunities must be identified and accordingly addressed, and responsibilities will have to be delegated.

There are also all the standard statements of a company. Foremost in this is the vision and the mission. The former underscores the companys trajectory ever since it started, and that which gives an inkling of what end it has in mind. The mission outlines the purpose of a company, establishing why it exists and also who it serves.

The core competencies of an org would also have to be reiterated, if not reconsidered. After all, these are the organizations competitive advantages, and not putting them to good use will result in a knock down drag out languishing in whatever sphere the group is operating in. Its values and guiding principles would also need to be straightened out, that which outlines the culture of a company and giving a sneak peak on how things are done.

Thus the importance of getting a facilitator to aid both people and process. The facilitator is one that makes things easier for you and your company. This personnel helps to get your organization on track, by zeroing in on some particular focus and providing a viable direction. Usually, this facilitator is external to the company, but that can be beneficent and constructive. For one, he or she can bring outside perspective. After all, this personnel has most likely worked with many different groups, so he or she can bring a lot of tools, practices, and experiences to the table.

They are also well and specifically trained to deal with people. This can be especially be contributive if conflict resolution is a must. Facilitators make sure that communication lines are open and equal for everyone. Balanced participation will then be ensured, and topics that are relevant and needed will then be broached on. Lastly, they will also aid the org in crafting SMART plans, those which that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Those are undoubtedly the ingredients to success.




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