Owning a Plan = Implementing it

Introduction 

Last week, we delved into the importance of actively implementing our plans and discussed ten crucial steps to prevent them from gathering dust. Since then, I've had the privilege of engaging various clients, listening to their unique struggles with respect to their plan implementation. During these conversations, I discovered a recurring issue that holds significant implications for them and their organizations: the absence of an owner for plan implementation. In this blog post, we will explore the critical role of “plan ownership” in realizing the vision and aspirations of a given organization. By adopting an ongoing process led by a dedicated team, we can ensure the cohesive advancement of plans and create lasting change.  We exclusively work for Indigenous governments and organizations, so this blog is naturally founded on our own experiences.  

The Disconnect: Feeling Lost in Implementation Efforts 

One of my clients articulated a sentiment shared by their community—they often felt lost, uncertain if their day-to-day efforts aligned with the higher-level communal mandates. This disconnect poses a substantial risk, hindering progress towards their goals. When I inquired about internal meetings dedicated to addressing this matter, I was not surprised to hear that such discussions occurred very infrequently — just once every couple of years during a strategic planning retreat. 

Beyond Retreats: The Need for Ongoing Engagement 

While planning retreats can be valuable starting points for crucial conversations, relying solely on them for plan alignment sets the stage for a massive failure. It's time to expand horizons and embrace an ongoing process that emphasizes continuous dialogue. This process should be championed by an individual or a dedicated team of individuals who meet regularly, ideally on a weekly basis, to discuss plan progress and ensure the integration of the day-to-day work within the larger context. 

The Investment: Time, Effort, and Money 

Implementing a robust and ongoing process demands commitment and resources. It requires allocating time, effort, and funds towards nurturing a dedicated team whose primary purpose is to advance the community's plans in a cohesive manner. While this investment may initially seem daunting, the long-term benefits and positive impact of it make it unquestionably worthwhile. 

Embracing Change for a Purposeful Journey 

Change can be challenging, but to avoid feeling lost in the pursuit of our goals, we must be willing to embrace it. By investing in a process characterized by ownership and ongoing engagement, Indigenous governments and organizations can navigate the complexities of implementation with confidence. A dedicated team, passionately committed to realizing their vision, acts as a guiding force, ensuring that plans are executed in a manner that reflects their values, aspirations, and needs. 

Conclusion 

By fostering an ongoing process led by a dedicated team, Indigenous governments and organizations can bridge the gap between higher-level mandates and day-to-day efforts, ensuring cohesive progress towards their goals. While change may be daunting, the rewards are immense. Let us invest our time, effort, resources, and money into securing a purposeful journey that honors the collective aspirations of Indigenous communities. Together, we can create lasting change and build a brighter future.