Strategy…
translates mission into results.
Our strategy engagements usually evolve through four distinct phases.
Issue/Problem
Definition and Process Design
We spend time up front with a client to
hone a set of clear, manageable, and strategically relevant central issues. We
also outline a strategy development process with the client that is tailored to
their situation. The product of problem/issue definition is often a project charter.
Analysis
Once the issues are specified, we explore them with the client. This
may include a scan of the operating environment, targeted assessments of the client
organization and its competitive positioning, and/or research into critical market,
policy, legal or other questions.
Information produced from these analyses
is evaluated and synthesized through working sessions with the client. A strategy
emerges through an iterative process of discussion, reflection, and distillation.
Implications
We help clients explore and resolve the implications of
a strategy, ranging from needs for new programs, skills and systems, to hard choices
about budgets, staffing, organizational structure, and existing programs.
Implementation
We help clients deliver the promises of the new strategy by aiding in the ongoing
management of broad change efforts or the design and launch of targeted initiatives
and ventures.
SAMPLE ENGAGEMENTS
Large national foundation — Helped develop a five-year strategic plan for
more than $75 million in grantmaking. Designed and implemented initiatives that
executed the strategy.
Private
psychiatric hospital — Structured and facilitated process to aid board in
assessing and resolving the institution's internal and external challenges through
the development of a new strategy.
International nonprofit organization — Helped design and facilitate a strategic
assessment. Subsequently, helped structure and facilitate a successful effort
to translate the strategy into new geographic and programmatic priorities.
Initiatives…
put strategy into action.
We
help clients implement their strategies with successful initiatives, programs
and ventures. Our approach concentrates on designing for action.
Design
Sound design results from a series of deliberative steps. These include building
a mission-based objective for the program, conceptualizing ways of achieving the
objective, researching and testing the feasibility of alternative concepts, exploring
relevant organizational dynamics, and fleshing out a recommended concept plan.
Action
Successful implementation of an initiative is based on thorough planning, systematic
execution, and an openness to being flexible when necessary. We help establish
these elements and provide ongoing support to maintain them. When desired by the
client, we have staffed and led the launch of new ventures.
Large regional foundation and regional nonprofit — Helped design a $3.5 million
loan fund and directed fund during launch.
State-based
nonprofit — Developed concept for a historic preservation conservancy and
directed conservancy during start-up.
National nonprofit — Helped design a post-doctoral fellowship program, including
supporting donor negotiation, and directed program during launch.
back
to top
Assessment…
reflects upon action and crystallizes strategic choices.
Many
organizations answer the question "What should we do?" with imaginative
strategies and initiatives. However, institutions that thrive pause amidst action
to ask, "Is it working?" Our approach to assessment typically involves
three stages.
Scoping
We begin by defining with the client a focused set of relevant questions to be
assessed.
Information Collection and Synthesis
We gather both hard facts and
valuable stories that help crystallize crucial insights and issues.
Check-ins/Refinement
We distill initial impressions and interact with
the client to refine these into the most important findings.
Large regional foundation — Evaluated $8 million in grants and subsequently
helped client focus efforts in areas reviewed.
Large national foundation — Evaluated $14 million initiative across two states.
Major
university — Assessed facilities and maintenance function for incoming director.
|
