The Four Steps to Strategic Planning with E.A.S.E.

One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is pretending they know where they’re going when they haven’t done the homework needed to make wise decisions. Perhaps leaders have good ideas about where things could go, but their team is on the outside, so any talk of vision feels like the leader is pulling things out of thin air.

Strategic planning is crucial for organizations; it provides a clear roadmap for achieving long-term goals. By articulating a vision and plan to execute it, strategic planning helps align the efforts of all members of the organization, ensuring that everyone is working towards a shared purpose.

If you don’t have a clear direction, your team will lose motivation, and productivity will suffer. Equally important is the process: who is involved, when, and how. If you want a team that is pulling hard toward the mission, they need to own it.

At Leadership Center, we have developed a four-part strategic planning process called EASE. Here is a quick overview of each element:

1. Empathize
This first and vital step is often overlooked by leaders. To empathize at this stage means looking carefully at the people you serve. Regardless of what you do, it’s vital to understand the people you do it for and the context you do it in. What are the key characteristics, hopes, fears, and needs of the people you serve? Starting here will ensure that you’re not digging in the wrong place.

2. Analyze
It’s going to be hard to figure out where you’re going if you don’t know where you are. It’s important to take a cold, hard look at the data. No need to reinvent the wheel. We recommend a good old-fashioned S.W.O.T. analysis. What are your organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats? It’s important you have someone in your organization who is tracking real numbers so everything doesn’t become anecdotal.

3. Strategize
Now it’s time to set some goals. What are the most impactful things your organization can do in the next season? Good goals will pull your head out of the day-to-day to help you focus on things that wouldn’t happen unless you focus on them. This is where you can really flex your leadership muscle. Dream big, be visionary, push the team, and take risks.

4. Execute
At this stage, take time to think through the work you’ve done. Remind yourself to empathize with the people you serve and the context you do it in. Analyze the data. Look at your goals. And finally, create a plan for how you can get it all done. This step is often overlooked. Leaders sometimes assume that goodwill and elbow grease will make things happen. In reality, there needs to be a careful plan that includes the key players, a communication plan, accountability measures, and a realistic timeline.

By embracing the EASE framework, leaders can create a more cohesive and motivated team, equipped to achieve their organization's goals. It's not just about having a vision but also about ensuring everyone is aligned and actively engaged in the journey. With a clear direction and a well-thought-out plan, your organization can thrive and make a lasting impact.