Introduction

Whether your organization is newly fledged or long-established, our Strategic Planning process guarantees that your leadership team will gain clarity of focus and direction, while also equipping staff with the tools to better manage uncertainty and complexity, evaluate progress, demonstrate your achievements, and strengthen buy-in and support from partners, donors, and decision-makers.

Strategic Planning not only defines the organizational vision for the future, but also translates that vision into measurable goals and short-term workplans to turn that vision into reality. In doing so, your team will gain clarity both on what they will do to move the organization forward, as well as what they will not do, which allows the organization to break free from a reactive work environment and focus on creating lasting impact.

What to Expect

While no two organizations are the same, achieving transformational results requires that everyone on the team has, (1) a shared understanding of the organization’s current situation, (2) a clear vision of what the organization aims to achieve in the future, and (3) a roadmap to achieve that vision. GCS can help you turn these three elements into a compelling strategic plan, the benefits of which include:

  • Demonstrable and measurable outcomes for nature and people
  • Stronger team cohesion and a shared sense of direction
  • Greater operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  • Increased credibility with donors, partners, and decision makers
  • Improved resilience and flexibility in the face of uncertainty
  • Fostering a team culture of accountability and proactiveness

Process

While GCS uses a variety of strategic planning tools to meet the needs of organizations, we specialize in applying an adaptive management, systems-thinking approach that directly aligns the organizational culture, long-term operational plan, and short-term implementation plan so that progress can be tracked, and strategies adapted, across all levels of the organization.

In doing so, your team will have a clear and compelling roadmap to achieve success, and the buy-in, motivation, and sense of purpose to turn that roadmap into reality.

Mary Jane Rogers

Executive Director, Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust

“Working with GCS has helped our land trust develop key strategic goals to build our long-term focus. Josh’s methodical approach has allowed us to re-centre and determine the values that are most integral to our organization. Building on his experience, we’ve found new paths to success in working land conservation.”