ALA Chapter Leaders Forum
Strategic Planning….It’s Called Doing Things
Dana Murphy-Love, CAEExecutive Director
Washington Library Association
About Creating a Future"Know what you want to do, hold
the thought firmly and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal." - Elbert Hubbard
"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why Strategic Planning?Primary responsibility of
LeadershipBest use of available
resourcesMakes decisions in advanceBuilds communityBuilds continuityEncourages assessment
What is Strategic Planning?
Identifying why we existStating what we want to
becomeSpecifying what we are going
to do to fulfill our mission/vision
Defining our culture
HOW IT WORKSIn Principle1. Sell the Board2. Let the members know3. Do some research4. Do a retreat5. Draft a plan (mission/vision/values)6. Circulate it and get feedback7. Modify it8. Adopt it9. Do it! Then repeat the process.
What is a Mission Statement?
Tells us why we exist
Why Do We Need a Vision Statement
Provides us with a definition of success.
Provides us with a clear picture of where we are going.
Suggests a “route” to get there.
CLEAR - SHARED - COMPELLING
Core Values“Perhaps more than at any
previous time, an organization today must know what it stands for and on what principles it will operate. No longer is values-based organizational behavior an interesting philosophical choice…it is a requisite for survival.”
Blanchard & O’Connor
Managing by Values
Updating the PlanLooking BackHow have we done in the past two years (or one year)?
Looking AroundWhat is different than when we met last?
Looking AheadWhat will we do in the next year? Two years?
WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution
2001 First 3-Year Plan created 4 key goals, 58 Initiatives, 47 completed
2003-2005 Update4 key goals, 29 Strategies, 135 Tactics Completed
WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution
2005-2007 Update
Mission Statement CreatedThe purpose of the Washington Library Association is to
promote library services, continuing education and library advocacy
on behalf of the people of Washington State
3 Key Goals, 52 Tactics, 41 completed
WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution
2007 – Complete OverhaulCreated Vision for 2017, with an Elevator Version
WLA is a vibrant and effective advocate for libraries, library professionals, and library allies, and a community
of practice where its members learn, grow professionally, develop strong relationships, and have
fun.
Core Values CreatedCommunity, Integrity, Professionalism, Responsiveness,
Inclusivity, and Education2007-2009 Update6 Goals, 30 Initiatives, 25 Completed
WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution2009 UpdateChanged our Vision Statement – Summary Version to:
WLA is a vibrant and effective advocate for libraries and the people who make them great.
We are a community of practice where its members learn, grow professionally, develop
strong relationships, and have fun.
Added three more Core ValuesPublic Good, Intellectual Freedom,
and Leadership
7 Goals, 7 Key Initiatives, 6 Completed, PLUS 19 other Strategies
WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution
2010-2011 UpdateRevised Mission Statement
The Washington Library Association provides essential
resources, support and advocacy for libraries and the people who make them great!
7 Goals (remained the same from previous), 7 Key Initiatives, Completed all 7
WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution2011-2012 Update7 Goals, 8 Key Initiatives, 5 Completed, with two in progress
2012-2013 PlanningCreated Vision through 2022, but Summary Version remained the same7 Priority Initiatives, plus 5 Other Initiatives
Keys to Successful ImplementationGet everybody’s fingerprints on it.Build your Board agenda around it.Build annual priorities/programs of
work. If it doesn’t fit the mission/vision of the organization, don’t do it!
Get the staff involved.Celebrate successes.Report to the members.Live your values.