Strategic Planning and the Information ProfessionalA&SL Careers EventApril 2011
Cathrine Burke
Today
•Strategic Planning Who does it? What is it ? Examples
•What has it got to do with me? As an information professional As a team member in any organisation
•What’s in it for me? Career and personal development opportunities
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Strategic Planning – who and when?At some point every organisation and every
individual plans strategically for the future• Individuals▫Career▫Life stages▫Education
•Organisations▫All organisations even the smallest businesses▫Periodic▫Driven by new challenges or a crisis▫Change in leadership
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What is it?
•Lots of literature of the topic•Generally consists of a▫Vision or Mission▫Set of beliefs▫Tangible objectives
•Not▫Something the CEO dreams up in a dark room
•Must be▫Real and meaningful to the whole organisation
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The Process
•Consultation- Internal and external•Competitor analysis•Market research•Analysis of all internal processes
Ultimately resulting in aVISION
SET OF BELIEFSOBJECTIVES
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Examples
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ExamplesCompanyCompany Vision StatementVision Statement
Xerox
Motorola
Apple Computer
McDonald’s
Starbucks
Microsoft
“To be the leader in the global document market by providing document services that enhance business productivity.”“To be the world leader in communications, information and entertainment.”
“To change the way people use information to work, learn and play.”
“To become the world’s easiest quick-service restaurant choice for customers.”
“To be the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world.”“To create software that empowers the users of personal computers.”
Closer to Home
IBEC will promote the interests of business and employers in Ireland by working to foster the continuing development of a competitive environment that encourages sustainable growth and within which both enterprise and people can flourish
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Closer to Home
By 2020 the National Library of Ireland will be a dynamic and world-class institution providing access
to information. It will deliver the widest possible range of innovative, quality services of relevance to
its users. It will be outward looking and will play a vibrant and central role in Irish life and will be a
leader and a co-ordinator of recorded cultural and intellectual life. It will make a tangible difference.
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All very interesting but….
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Context
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The Opportunity• Typical responses to management decision to undertake
a strategic planning exercise
Not my job. I am a ….
FearParticularly if you are viewed as a cost centre
What’s the point in getting involved if I have no influence?
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Seizing the opportunity
1. As a Team member•What a great chance to be involved with other
parts of the organisation• I have some great ideas about how we could do
this more effectively• I have some ideas that will make us more
relevant to our clients/members/customers
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Seizing the opportunity
2. As an Information professional• I welcome this opportunity to demonstrate the
specific skills I can bring to bear ( excellent research, organisation, deep understanding of)
• I want to make this department much more relevant to its customers
• I am going to use this opportunity to understand more fully what is needed now, in 5 years
•What are the ‘hot topics’ for my customers
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Win - Win•The Organisation▫Benefits from your skill set▫Has seen the broadest range of your skills and
competencies▫Sees commitment
•You▫Part of the Team▫Great experience outside your natural comfort
zone▫CV
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Conclusion
•Now more than ever, be OPEN•Balance natural pride in your profession with the
need to service your customer/client/organisation
•See your skills and competencies as broadly as possible
•Get involved- experience is all
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