Strategic planning isn’t new, nor is it exclusive to our industry. It is, however, essential to successful entities. I can tell you GCSAA takes part in strategic planning on a regular basis.

Strategic planning for GCSAA-affiliated chapters is also essential to their success. Why make decisions on the fly when you can have a well-developed plan and carry it out? As I mentioned in post ten (link below), chapters are the lifeblood of GCSAA, and GCSAA is only as strong as its affiliated chapters. With this in mind, GCSAA, specifically the chapter outreach department (yes, shameless plug), works with chapters on strategic planning via strategic planning sessions.

46. Strategic Planning

Strategic planning sessions will vary slightly from chapter to chapter, they will, however, mostly follow a similar template which includes a seven-step process:

1. Ask attendees what their expectations are.
• What do we hope to accomplish during the session?
2. Conduct a SCOR Analysis.
• Strengths
• Challenges
• Opportunities
• Risks
3. Prioritize items from the SCOR Analysis.
• Discuss what the chapter can and should be providing.
4. Discuss the mission statement.
• Why does the chapter exist?
5. Discuss the vision of the chapter.
• What do we want to look like or become?
• How should members view their chapter?
6. Set goals and action items.
• Through a summary of the discussions on the SCOR Analysis and mission/vision, establish goals.
• What do we wish to create?
• Should we add/restructure member benefits/services?
7. Revisit the strategic planning session.
• Take information from the session and follow up regularly at board meetings.

As you can see, the process is straightforward. Steve Randall, GCSAA’s director of chapter outreach (who also oversees the field staff program) has been directly involved in chapter strategic planning sessions across the country. He — along with your local field staff representative — will facilitate the planning session with the chapter board and staff. The entire process takes only a few hours but will pay dividends for years to come.

Not only does it create specific goals and action items, but it also focuses resources and ensures the board is working towards common goals. Also — depending on the chapter — board members may not be too familiar with one another. The strategic planning sessions can also cover trust and vulnerability exercises where board members will learn more about one another and foster relationships.

Many chapters conduct strategic planning sessions on a regular basis, holding one every 2-3 years. Through this practice, new board members are actively involved in the process and the board continues to work towards common goals.

Strategic planning not only brings the board closer together, it gives back to the entire chapter membership. The goals and action items created in these sessions have the greater membership in mind and many times additional member services and benefits are established.

Whether a Fortune 500 organization, a startup, or a GCSAA-affiliated chapter, having a plan is essential to success; and as the old saying goes: fail to plan, plan to fail.

As always, if you’ve missed a previous post, check them out below:

1. GCSAA Association Health Program
2. GCSAA Foundation
3. Awards Anyone?
4. Conference and Tradeshow
5. Melrose Leadership Academy
6. Melrose Equipment Experience
7. Thank a Superintendent Day
8. Golf Course Environmental Profile
9. First Green
10. Affiliated Chapters
11. Disaster Relief Fund
12. Planning for Retirement
13. Career Resources
14. Compensation and Benefits
15. FFA
16. Priority Issues Agenda
17. Action Alerts
18. Grassroots Ambassadors
19. Advocacy Teams
20. Webinars
21. Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series
22. Equipment Manager Classification
23. Equipment Manager Certificate Program
24. Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM)
25. Modernized CGCS Program
26. GCSAA Golf Championships
27. There’s an app for that: GCSAA and Conference and Trade Show apps
28. Collegiate Turf Bowl
29. Envu Superintendent Grant Program
30. GCSAA Scholarships
31. GCSAA Scholars Competition
32. GCSAA Virtual Education Event
33. Chapter Leadership Symposium
34. Chapter Outreach Grant
35. Chapter Connection
36. Masters Admission
37. Class A Membership
38. Class AS Membership
39. Rounds 4 Research
40. GCSAA Foundation Research Programs
41. GCSAA and National Golf Day
42. EXCEL Leadership Program
43. BMP
44. GCM
45. GCSAA Podcast