Is your board about to engage in strategic planning?

Guest blog from the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC): Nurses on boards are building a healthier America.

Strategic planning is the process of determining an organization's long-term goals and then identifying the best approach for achieving those goals.  It is the role of the board in strategic planning to set the organization's future direction, strategy and goals.  The role of the leadership team is to implement the strategic plan to achieve the goals.  Remember, a board exists to fulfill a mission and to engage in governance around its mission.

At my last board meeting, we were engaged in strategy.  The board members were asked to state their vision for direction setting.  Stating one’s vision during strategic planning ensures that your vision becomes part of the new reality.

Here are 4 ways to translate your vision into reality while on a board:

1. Provide concrete examples to communicate your ideas with clarity
2. Have a positive attitude
3. Apply systems thinking
4. Be willing to take risks

How should you prepare for strategic planning?

1. Scan the internal and external environment
2. Review the board’s mission and vision
3. Reflect on potential successful strategies for social influence
4. Be open to new possibilities and pathways

According to Bob Dent, DNP, RN, CENP, FAAN, 2018 AONE President and CNO at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas, it is important for nurse leaders to stay emotionally positive and fully engaged in the strategic planning process, the nursing profession, and their role in ensuring a culture of ownership. As we exercise our voice as expert nurse leaders, we have the capacity to shape healthcare and advance the health of the nation.

Call to action!

Use influence with other board members to translate your vision into reality.

This calls for empathy, good body language and clear communication.

This content was made possible by Wolters Kluwer’s involvement with the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) as a Founding Strategic Partner.  For more information on how to get involved with NOBC, please visit nursesonboardscoalition.org.

Nurses on Boards Coalition (2017). Board Core Competencies. https://www.nursesonboardscoalition.org/

M. Lindell Joseph, PhD, RN, AONE Board of Directors and The University of Iowa College of Nursing
Laurie Benson, BSN, Executive Director, Nurses on Board Coalition                                                          

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