An old adage goes, “Plan your
work and work your plan.” Planning is
important but follow-through is, too.
In visiting with a friend
recently, we talked about the strategic plan that his judicatory had developed
with the assistance of a consultant. His
evaluation was that the plan was good but those charged with implementing it
had little enthusiasm and were inclined toward deferring to executive
leadership to take care of it.
As individuals and
organizations, we need to have a clear direction for the future. Whether we call it long-range planning, strategic
planning, vision casting or something else, we need clarity about where we will
invest ourselves and our resources. At
the same time, we need the motivation and enthusiasm to move forward without
plans.
Developing a plan is the easy
part. The hard part is
implementation. This requires
motivation. I have found that this is
true whether I am coaching an individual to identify and pursue his or her
goals or working with a congregation to develop and accomplish a plan of action.
Although my approach is
influenced by my training as a coach, the same principles apply to organizations
as well as individuals. I suggest several
steps to assure follow-through on plans.
First, start with a spiritual
and relational foundation. Working with
others in the church or organization, consider these questions:
- “What resources has God provided for us?”
- “What do we do well?”
- “What do we perceive that God is calling us to do in this time and place?”
- “What can we do that no one else can do or is doing?”
Second, identify your
values. Ask these questions:
- “What is really important to us as a group?”
- “What is distinctive about our church or organization?”
- “What are the non-negotiable values that we embrace?”
Third, once the plan is
implemented, keep the answers to these questions front and center. Return to them on a regular basis, reminding
participants what they have identified as important for them and the church or
organization. As Bill Hybels says, “Vision
leaks.” We must come back to our reason
for existence on a continuing basis.
Whatever our plan may be, we
need to be reminded on a regular basis why we do what we do and why we should
care.
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