This quote has stayed with me since I first saw it years ago. That phrase, "planning the day," really resonates. I'm a planner at heart; I believe in strategy, staying the course, measuring results, and adapting as we learn. I aim to find that balance between saving and savoring, which, for me, means finding joy and inspiration in the work itself – savoring the act of
making a difference. I've always loved strategic plans. They're collaborative, exciting, and can be truly game-changing.
My "rules" used to be:
A solid plan, well-executed and evaluated, leads to success.
Staying consistent is key; reactive changes often create chaos.
Regularly measuring results allows us to adapt strategically, keeping the plan alive and responsive.
Start with a clear vision of success.
When working on a project, I always ask my team:
What could possibly go wrong?
How will we know we're on the right track?
What does success look like and how will we measure it?
These questions encourage proactive problem-solving and the development of solid metrics.
But, let's face it, these aren't normal times. Planning is harder than ever. That's why I launched Defiant Strategies – to help nonprofits rethink strategy in the face of uncertainty. I'm asking new, perhaps unusual, questions and exploring new ways of thinking. Uncertainty changes everything, and we can't be caught off guard. We need strategies that adapt, and the confidence to succeed, even when things are chaotic.
I hope this blog post helps you to reflect on your own planning process and to develop strategies for success in the face of uncertainty.
Additional tips for planning in uncertain times:
Be flexible and adaptable.
Focus on your goals, but be open to changing your plans as needed.
Communicate with your team and stakeholders regularly.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Most importantly, don't give up. Even in the most uncertain times, it's possible to achieve your goals and please let us know how we can help.
Thank you for reading!
Rebecca
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