ALA Chapter Leaders Forum

Strategic Planning….It’s Called Doing Things

Dana Murphy-Love, CAEExecutive Director

Washington Library Association

About Creating a Future"Know what you want to do, hold

the thought firmly and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal." - Elbert Hubbard

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why Strategic Planning?Primary responsibility of

LeadershipBest use of available

resourcesMakes decisions in advanceBuilds communityBuilds continuityEncourages assessment

What is Strategic Planning?

Identifying why we existStating what we want to

becomeSpecifying what we are going

to do to fulfill our mission/vision

Defining our culture

HOW IT WORKSIn Principle1. Sell the Board2. Let the members know3. Do some research4. Do a retreat5. Draft a plan (mission/vision/values)6. Circulate it and get feedback7. Modify it8. Adopt it9. Do it! Then repeat the process.

What is a Mission Statement?

Tells us why we exist

Why Do We Need a Vision Statement

Provides us with a definition of success.

Provides us with a clear picture of where we are going.

Suggests a “route” to get there.

CLEAR - SHARED - COMPELLING

Core Values“Perhaps more than at any

previous time, an organization today must know what it stands for and on what principles it will operate. No longer is values-based organizational behavior an interesting philosophical choice…it is a requisite for survival.”

Blanchard & O’Connor

Managing by Values

Updating the PlanLooking BackHow have we done in the past two years (or one year)?

Looking AroundWhat is different than when we met last?

Looking AheadWhat will we do in the next year? Two years?

WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution

2001 First 3-Year Plan created 4 key goals, 58 Initiatives, 47 completed

2003-2005 Update4 key goals, 29 Strategies, 135 Tactics Completed

WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution

2005-2007 Update

Mission Statement CreatedThe purpose of the Washington Library Association is to

promote library services, continuing education and library advocacy

on behalf of the people of Washington State

3 Key Goals, 52 Tactics, 41 completed

WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution

2007 – Complete OverhaulCreated Vision for 2017, with an Elevator Version

WLA is a vibrant and effective advocate for libraries, library professionals, and library allies, and a community

of practice where its members learn, grow professionally, develop strong relationships, and have

fun.

Core Values CreatedCommunity, Integrity, Professionalism, Responsiveness,

Inclusivity, and Education2007-2009 Update6 Goals, 30 Initiatives, 25 Completed

WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution2009 UpdateChanged our Vision Statement – Summary Version to:

WLA is a vibrant and effective advocate for libraries and the people who make them great.

We are a community of practice where its members learn, grow professionally, develop

strong relationships, and have fun.

Added three more Core ValuesPublic Good, Intellectual Freedom,

and Leadership

7 Goals, 7 Key Initiatives, 6 Completed, PLUS 19 other Strategies

WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution

2010-2011 UpdateRevised Mission Statement

The Washington Library Association provides essential

resources, support and advocacy for libraries and the people who make them great!

7 Goals (remained the same from previous), 7 Key Initiatives, Completed all 7

WLA’s Strategic Planning Evolution2011-2012 Update7 Goals, 8 Key Initiatives, 5 Completed, with two in progress

2012-2013 PlanningCreated Vision through 2022, but Summary Version remained the same7 Priority Initiatives, plus 5 Other Initiatives

Keys to Successful ImplementationGet everybody’s fingerprints on it.Build your Board agenda around it.Build annual priorities/programs of

work. If it doesn’t fit the mission/vision of the organization, don’t do it!

Get the staff involved.Celebrate successes.Report to the members.Live your values.