From the CEO December 2017
“Sound strategy starts with having the right goal”
Michael Porter
We believe that all people have a human right to be engaged in the decisions that affect them. This is our why – our goal. It leads to an ambitious vision of a world where all voices are heard.
(Check out Simon Sinek – ‘Start with Why’)
To achieve this we need to strengthen engagement and advance practice. These two big priorities (four little words) support our four organisational strategic pillars:
Strengthening engagement:
- Advocating for engagement
- Supporting an international community
Advancing practice:
- Advancing professional development
- Delivering membership value
The Strategic review has taken on a wonderful life-force of its own – which I am embracing, as it very much aligns with who we are.
Survey results
The results of the survey on the strategy consultation were divided. Of those that responded to the survey, exactly 50% said ‘get on with it’ and the other 50% said ‘consult with me’. Of the ‘consult with me 50%’, half wanted to see a refined draft, the other half wanted to see a working draft. So very mixed responses.
Regional Strategic input
Some IAP2 regions have become ‘self-organising networks’ and are incorporating a strategic review of some form into their events or end of year networking function.
In Darwin, they completed a short survey and discussed their key challenges at their end of year event. In Brisbane, a strategy workshop on the key objectives under each of the four strategic pillars was held. The clear priority of the evening was ‘influence the decision makers’, followed by ‘benefits of effective engagement’ both under the pillar Advocating for Engagement (see photo). In Sydney, this week, they are also including a strategy workshop as part of their end of year networking function. The results of these are to be shared with me – and will feed into the draft of the Strategic Plan.
More opportunities for feedback
Due to the constraints of geographical distance, budget and time – we will be posting a series of questions up on LinkedIn over the coming weeks. So do keep an eye out for them.
Likewise if you are having an event and would also like to host a workshop – please feel free to do so. If you would like to know a little more about the structure of the workshops hosted to date – give me a call.
Next steps
We are working to a tight timeline with the Strategic Plan – as it needs to be approved by the Board in sufficient time to shape our business plans and budgets for the next financial year.
At this stage I am expecting to present the Board with a first draft for the February board meeting, with the final draft expected to be approved at the March board meeting.
Therefore, I need to have received everyone’s thoughts by Friday 9 February – this will give me just under a week to consider it as part of the first draft for the February 2018 Board meeting.
I am expecting to circulate the refined draft Strategic Plan in late February 2018, with a week for feedback.
And now it is almost Christmas
I want to wish you all a very happy festive season. I hope where-ever you are and what-ever you are doing, that you are happy, safe and with people you love.
Thank you everyone for all your feedback and support over the past few months – it has made my induction to IAP2 stronger and more meaningful.
I’m looking forward to a vibrant and successful 2018 with you.
Warm regards
Marion
“What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
Buddha