An introduction to strategy
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CloseA simple explanation of strategy including views from strategy experts and charity and non profit leaders on strategy development.
What is strategy?
How do we link strategy to performance so that we can really:
- maximise our impact
- get full value from our activities
- make sure we are doing the right things as well as doing them right?
Strategy: a definition, if you are new to strategy, start here.
The role of strategy
Strategy can be a means of getting an organisation through challenging times: not just about survival, but also about growth.
As an example, this Harvard Business Review article 'Achieving Excellence in Nonprofits' discusses the critical issues facing US non profits, and steps that boards and executives can take to stay focused. Though set in a US context there is much that has resonance with the UK voluntary and community sector.
Views from strategy experts
- Strategic planning: steadying the ship, an exploration of the role of strategic planning in tough times by Seb Elsworth of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO).
- The far side of a stormy sea, an article on why strategy is vital in today's economic climate by Tim Wilson of Charities Evaluation Service (CES).
- Full value - the new approach to impact and outcomes, Dr Richard Piper of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) challenges us to think differently about the value of what we do.
- Fresher outcomes: from measurement to strategy, Dr Richard Piper of NCVO presents the 'Big Six' questions as a method of planning and growing your organisation's outcomes.
Views on strategy from organisations
- KCLSU: a strategy journey, an interview with former chief executive Steve Vaid outlining their recent strategy journey (including examples of their strategy tree, values and operating plan).
- Leeds University Union: strategy review, former chief executive Lesley Dixon outlines the review process and gives examples of key documents.
- Brook, National Director Simon Blake gives his organisation’s rationale, process and strategic framework on how the young people's sexual health charity uses scenarios to stimulate strategic thinking.
- Macmillan Cancer Support, Director of Corporate Development Juliet Bouverie discusses the organisation's approach to achieving its ambition.
If you would like to share your experiences of strategy development why not write a case study and contribute to this site.
Useful links
- Strategy Exchange is a thoughtful public sector resource bank for all matters linked to strategy, including critical analysis of current thinking.
Further reading
- 'Tools for Tomorrow', the bestselling NCVO guide to strategic planning for voluntary organisations
- 'Looking out', how to make sense of your external environment - a resource from NCVO's 'Third Sector Foresight'
- Essential guide to strategic planning' (PDF, 90kb), this publication is written by Compass Partnership for ACEVO
Have your say
Whether you're a strategy expert or a novice, you can share your knowledge on KnowHow.
Join in a discussion on the Strategy forum.
