Author: Nancy S. Ahlrichs, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Pre-pandemic, we thought our organizations were stressed by change—but the Coronavirus has helped us to redefine the very meaning of change. We have exchanged our office desks for telework, zoomed to meetings, learned new technology, altered policies, and procedures, established new customer channels, and more. Everything is more digital and “distanced” now—not just for your employees, but your customers and suppliers, too. How are you going to go back to the office and engage your employees so they are productive? What’s your retention strategy to ensure they stay and follow you into your organization’s new future?

Every organization will have a new future. Nothing will return to the way it was—but failure is not an option. You need a new strategic plan, operating plan and communications plan. You may also need a refined mission, vision and values. Evaluate your internal resources. Do you truly have the skills and time needed in-house to get this done? Or, should you seek outside assistance?

Often, it takes an external facilitator to start with a clean sheet of paper and to fearlessly ask leadership and board members the tough questions. Rehashing the status quo will not provide needed breakthrough results. Real strategic planning takes time, attention and expertise. This is not a one day “event” and “poof!” you have a detailed plan. Hiring the right consultant will enable the development of an energizing vision of the future and a plan that will salvage the end of 2020 and get your organization on track for a financially successful 2021.

Coronavirus will be with us for at least 18-24 months (that’s 2022!) while the search for a vaccine continues. This is a short time in “business years.” You need a strategic planning consultant to guide you who is not distracted by your organization’s day-to-day issues so you can  run the business and find new ways for your organization to be productive and successful in this short amount of time.

For your particular organization, how can you know whether a new strategic plan is needed? Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are we getting the results we need?
2. Are the leadership team and most employees focused on a common vision—or have we lost direction due to the shut down?
3. Are our leaders stressed and unsure of what to do and how to do it?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you need a new strategic plan to ignite the passion in your people and galvanize them to come together for the common goal(s).

Consider seeking the expertise of a strategic planning consultant who can break through the inertia that keeps your organization’s leadership team from creating its new future. It is the only way to chart a new direction while simultaneously making the most of your current structure and goals.

About the Author:

Nancy S. Ahlrichs, SPHR, SHRM-SCP works with Progression Partners, a national leadership development and management consulting firm, as an Organization Development Advisor for change and talent management strategies.