5 Tips for Keeping Your Plan Alive

So, your strategic plans are all mapped out, but what's next? It's time to nail down that reporting game and keep your stakeholders in the loop. After all, strong relationships with them are the bedrock of your organization - essential for keeping everyone accountable and on track for success.

But who are these stakeholders, you ask? Think of them as the VIPs of your organization - the people and groups who have a stake in what you do and how you do it. That includes everyone from your dedicated volunteers and passionate donors to your hardworking staff and visionary board of directors. These folks are the heartbeat of your mission, driving everything you do. Therefore, effectively reporting strategic plans to stakeholders is not just ticking off boxes - it's about nurturing these relationships and fostering transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.

Now, let's dive into five down-to-earth tips to ace your stakeholder reporting:

1. Know your reporting requirements

First things first, get the lowdown on what, when, and how to report. Every stakeholder group has its own needs when it comes to updates. Whether they like monthly rundowns or prefer quarterly deep dives, aligning with their needs shows you've got their backs. Some reporting may be casual - an email to donors showcasing the year's highlights or more formal - a required in-depth report to secure your next year of funding.

2. Track progress throughout

No more last-minute scrambles! Keep tabs on your strategic plan's progress like it's your favourite show. Regular check-ins let you catch any curveballs early, make tweaks, and celebrate wins along the way! It's all about staying on top of the game and keeping everyone in the loop. That way, there should be no surprises when it comes to final reporting.

3. Be transparent

Transparency is vital to any good relationship. If things don't go as planned, own up to it. Being upfront about challenges shows you're open to finding solutions together. Remember, strategic plans are roadmaps - guiding documents - but not etched in stone. Circumstances can change, and your plan may need to evolve, so if your plan goes off the tracks, acknowledge it and adapt! More than ever, organizations are keeping their plans nimble and are ready to adapt if needed.

4. Keep your plans practical

Dream big, and stay grounded. Craft plans that are doable and fit your organization like a glove. It's okay to be bold and push for progress, but avoid shooting for the moon without a rocket - focus on steps you can take with the resources at hand. In strategic planning, practicality is the name of the game!

5. Foster two-way communication and learn from your stakeholders

Don't just talk, listen! Make reporting a conversation, not a monologue. Encourage feedback and ideas from your stakeholders. Different perspectives bring fresh insights and make the journey more fun. Although you may not be able to consider every new idea, listening builds trust, and you never know what ideas you might want to earmark and revisit down the road!

So, there you have it - your roadmap to stellar stakeholder reporting. Keep it real, stay connected, and watch those relationships bloom! After all, success is sweeter when it's shared.

A facilitator can play a huge part in setting you up for success with all of the above. If you haven’t brought a facilitator into the fold yet, this is your sign! We are often asked to help facilitate a mid-plan review, run an interactive session at AGMs (in-person or virtually), or to guide a reflection session that reviews progress to date. We’d love to chat about how we can be of service. Get in touch.