I have been trying to communicate the importance of developing a strategy screen to nonprofit organizations. The strategy screen is a series of statements or questions that an organization uses in real time to guide their decision-making. Some generic statements might read:
- Is the opportunity consistent with our mission?
- Do we have the resources to manage the initiative?
- Is the opportunity within our geographic service area?
- Does it benefit our customers?
The importance of having a viable strategy screen was tested in the 4th quarter of 2008 and early 2009 when many organizations were having multiple sessions dedicated to the survival of the economic down-turn. Still the idea of having these decision-making filters in place before challenges or opportunities arise are not always easy selling points. As I reclaimed my desk after a recent trip to NYC I stumbled across an old blackjack strategy card. Simply stated it provides conventional wisdom as to how to bet when you are the blackjack table. With money on the line this little card is a quick way to negotiate the decision-making process of each hand. Perfectly legal and sold at the casino. Finally this analogy seems to have built a bridge (of cards) across the divide and helped provide some perspective on the value of the strategy screen.
What would a strategy card look like for your organization? Do you have one in place?
What-if-concepts 