Completed a Plan - What's Next?
What is success in relation to the plans we create to live our lives and influence the lives of others around us? How can we nurture such success? What does it take to overcome challenges that come after the planning phase is over? I ask these basic questions now because there is no better time than the start of a year to do so and I encourage you to reflect over them as you embark on your year ahead.
Planning lays the groundwork for prosperity and well-being for all types of communities and community-based organizations. However, several pitfalls, such as lack of engagement with ultimate beneficiaries (i.e. community members or owners); not having appropriate systems and tools in place to monitor and report back on progress; and inadequate investments in human capacity, can all hinder successful implementation of the plans we create. In this blog, we explore some practical solutions to these pitfalls, empowering you and your people to navigate the implementation of your plans effectively and in meaningful manner.
Community Engagement and Endorsement: The Heartbeat of Success
Pitfall: Lack of community engagement and involvement in post-planning phase can lead to a massive disconnection between the plan and the community's needs.
Solution: Cultivate inclusive decision-making processes by:
Fostering open dialogue through regular community meetings where leaders, managers, and staff can engage with members to gather insights and feedback.
Seeking formal endorsement through hosting of community-wide meetings to present the plan in-person, virtually or in a hybrid way, allowing for questions, discussions, and ultimately gaining formal endorsement of people who the plan was created for in first place.
Incorporating cultural practices via integration of traditional decision-making processes, ensuring that the plan aligns with the community's values and traditions.
Execution, Monitoring and Reporting: Navigating the Path Forward
Pitfall: Ineffective execution, monitoring and reporting systems can lead to a lack of accountability, transparency and hinder progress.
Solution: Implement robust systems and tools by:
Investing in technology via user-friendly tools for execution, tracking progress and reporting. These could range from digital platforms for managing projects, conducting meetings, and developing reports to traditional methods that resonate with the community.
Establishing a reporting schedule that regularly communicates progress to the community through accessible channels in a consistent way while fostering transparency.
Training designated individuals in staff with the skills to effectively use execution, monitoring and reporting tools while ensuring accurate data collection and curation.
Training for Empowerment: Knowledge as the Catalyst
Pitfall: Inadequate training for staff and collaborators can impede their ability to utilize community-based systems and fulfill their roles effectively.
Solution: Prioritize continuous learning and development by:
Designing tailored training programs that cater to the specific needs and roles within the community. These can include both technical and cultural components. Start with individual learning plans.
Establishing a resource hub or a central repository for training materials, guidelines, and best practices, ensuring easy access for ongoing learning and development.
Leveraging mentorship opportunities by encouraging experienced staff members to mentor others, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Conclusion: A Collective Journey Towards Community Resiliency
When Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th US President, said “plans are nothing; planning is everything” (or something to that effect), he was clearly onto something. Planning is not merely a document but an ongoing journey that requires the collective wisdom and continuous engagement of the entire community. By prioritizing inclusive decision-making, implementing robust execution and monitoring systems, and investing in continuous training and learning, we can easily overcome potential pitfalls and navigate the path toward a thriving and sustainable future.
Success lies in recognizing the strength that comes from collaboration, cultural preservation, and the commitment to empowering every member of the community. Through these practical solutions, our communities can turn our plans into dynamic and living roadmaps for a brighter and resilient tomorrow instead of putting them on the shelves to collect dust.