The Power of Questions

Strategic Planning is often about the search for the right answer, such as identifying and implementing strategies to grow membership, enhance services, or increase fundraising. However, focusing solely on finding the right answers prevents board and staff from being open to alternative strategies or identifying unknown challenges or threats. Asking good questions can lead to new frames in which to understand and achieve your mission.

Exercise

At each board or staff meeting, answer the following question(s) to stimulate a broader discussion:

WHO are we not serving as best as possible?

WHAT is the most important opportunity or issue facing us now?

WHEN – are we on target to meet our strategic goals?

WHY – how well are we following our mission?

WHERE should we expand?

HOW are we collaborating and communicating with our stakeholders?