In a dynamic world with complex challenges, the ability of each team at Tufts to advance the mission of the University requires an intentional process to evaluate and adjust the goals, activities, and metrics that drive their work. Among the many schools of thought that might lend methods to a strategic planning process, design offers methods that emphasize incorporating the voice of a variety of stakeholders, building knowledge from many sources, blue sky thinking, and testing ideas before implementation. As you plan out your strategic planning process, consider some of the methods below:
Ground Rules
If your core group is going to work together for an extended period, be sure to select the right structure and expectations for participation
Assumptions & Questions
Quickly set the scope of information to gather to inform strategy.
SWOT Analysis
A popular method, capture the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to your group.
Surveys
Especially when not everyone in the group has time to participate in the process fully or your unit is large, consider gathering input through a survey.
How Might We?
Convert your challenges into strategic opportunities with statements you can ideate around as a group.
Ecosystem Map
Assess the stakeholders and forces influencing your team’s strategy.
Headline Activity
Arrive at goal statements by articulating the accomplishment you hope will be ultimately celebrated.
Affinity Mapping
Once many ideas are proposed, build meaning by grouping by common traits and labeling by emergent themes.
Dot Voting
Set the agenda for conversation by separating ideas by popularity around a focused prompt.
Develop a Monitoring System
Before you move to implementation, be sure you can track and measure progress towards the goals you have set.