Strategic Planning: Treasure Maps and Ensuring Future Success
We have been working with school leaders and their teams to support strategic planning and mapping of ‘steps for success’ for the next three years. Strategic planning is a bit like designing a treasure map alongside the captain and crew of a big ship - with kotahitanga and manaakitanga. The sheer level of responsibility that rangatira feel for shaping the journey and direction for their tamariki and school community is high. The commitment to having a clear vision and ‘getting it right’ is central to this mahi.
What does that look like? In consultation with the key stakeholders, we review, refine and develop new strategic documents with great care and acute awareness of the need to design a map that will work. We work with school leaders to map a journey that has their tamariki at the heart and forefront of all decisions. This work is not for the faint-hearted. As ‘Captain of the Ship’, school leaders have the responsibility for determining the ‘X’ (Vision - or treasure!), and plot the map to get there (Strategic Plan) as well as recognise the need to navigate all that goes in between.
“‘Strategy is a style of thinking, a conscious and deliberate process, an intensive implementation system, the science of ensuring future success’”
It is a privilege to work alongside passionate leaders to create their strategic plans. The captain, with map in hand, can ensure the crew has the freedom to make progress creatively while still tracking towards the ‘X’. The passion and commitment leaders have for their vision, values and strategic goals is inspirational. The strategic plan will guide decisions, and resourcing and can be a filter for effective decision-making for the next three years.
As captains of the ship - school leaders have their eye on what is coming and they know that they are not alone. They can navigate unpredictable seas, and oversee the many nuances of the plan in action. School leaders can mark the spot, map and track the course, negotiate turbulence, and empower and support the crew. A shared vision is so important. Having the crew on board and steering in the same direction is crucial to the success of any plan. The strategic plan needs to be a treasure map ‘to pull the island to you’ that the whole crew can buy into. It is a shared vision for a team adventure. “True success is when the navigator is no longer needed” - Wayfinding leadership.
The power of our work with strategic planning starts with the ability to listen and unite - kotahitanga. We can help formulate the plan and we can personalise the process. We can support you from the bow, the stern, beside the waka or wherever you need us. In essence, we can be your support crew on your treasure hunt. We want you to have a successful adventure! We will help you to write your strategic plan, draw your treasure map and ensure your future success.
““Perhaps the most profound lesson we have both learned from the navigators is their ability to maintain a fierce unwavering vision for the island, to harness their mana, and call a new reality into being. To an untrained eye, it would appear that the mariners are sailing to an island. Yet, to a master navigator, the island is held within him or her, and they are drawing that island to them.””