The Board Member's Guide to Strategic Planning
A Practical Approach to Strengthening Nonprofit Organizations

Fisher Howe (Author)

9780787908256, Wiley

Hardback, published 20 February 1997

144 pages
22.9 x 15.5 x 1.3 cm, 0.318 kg

"Finally a strategic planning book that doesn't use consultantjargon espousing the latest flavor of the month. Straight talk withreal life examples gives nonprofit boards and staff a case and roadmap for strategic planning." --Charles E. Snyder, president,National Cooperative Bank

"The Board Member's Guide to Strategic Planning is the result ofFisher Howe's robust commitment to the trustees and executives whoserve nonprofit organizations. Superbly organized with nine actualcase studies, uncomplicated in format and language, the book is oneof the year's most important calls to action." --Peter B. Relic,president, National Association of IndepAndent Schools

"A must read for board members looking to strengthen theirnonprofit organizations. Fisher Howe's enthusiasm, insight, andability to clearly articulate the whats and hows of effectivestrategic planning provides the reader with the tools to strengthengovernance and manage effectively, which leads to results. TheBoard Member's Guide to Strategic Planning is a welcome addition tothe literature currently available." --Lawrence W. Reger,president, National Institute for the Conservation of CulturalProperty

"How often do you get a book on management that holds yourinterest? Fisher Howe makes it a 'good read', and you learn. Don'tpass it up." --Robert W. Munson, president Rocky Mountain ElkFoundation

Fisher Howe's enthusiasm, insight, and ability to clearlyarticulate the whats and hows of effective strategic planningprovides the reader with the tools to strenghten governance andmanage effectively, which leads to results.
--Lawrence W. Reger, president, National Institute for theConservation of Cultural Property

Howe's practical, no-nonsense approach demystifies the oftenintimidating planning process, showing why it is essential andproviding detailed instructions for successful execution.Presenting illustrative examples and straightforward action steps,Howe guides board members through each critical step, frompreparing and conducting the planning to production of strategicand operational plans. A quick, compact guide for busy nonprofitboard members by a veteran board member and sought-after consultantto non-profits.

Foreword xi
Howard H. Willaims III

Preface xv

The Author xxi

PART I: THE BOARD'S PERSPECTIVE ON STRATEGIC PLANNING 1

1. Benefits of Strategic Planning 3

2. The Board's Responsibility for Strategic Planning 13

3. Examples of Strategic Planning from the Board Perspective 17

4. The Language of Planning 21

PART II: PREPARING FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING 27

5. Plans for Planning 29

6. Effective Planning Meetings and Retreats 37

7. Using Consultants and Facilitators 41

8. Examples of Boards Preparing for Strategic Planning 45

9. Action Steps: Preparing for Strategic Planning 51

PART III: CONDUCTING STRATEGIC PLANNING 53

10. Clarifying the Mission: Purpose and Values 55

11. Exploring Internal and External Environments 61

12. Identifying the Critical Issues 67

13. Articulating a Vision 71

14. Examples of Strategic Planning Outcomes 75

15. Action Steps: Conducting Strategic Planning 83

PART IV: FROM PLANNING TO ACTION 85

16. Putting Together the Strategic Plan 87

17. Creating Operational Plans 91

18. Action Steps: Strategic and Operational Plans 93

PART V: KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PLANNING 95

19. Principles of Successful Planning 97

20. Final Tips 101

Resources 103

A. Often-Heard Objections to Strategic Planning 105

B. A Sample Consulting Plan 107

References 109

Index 111

Subject Areas: Business & management [KJ]