What Really Is Strategic Planning And Why Do We Need To Do It?
by Mary E. Burns, PP, PLS, NALS 2004-5 President

Strategic planning . . . the formulation of a plan of action for attaining a specified goal. Sounds pretty easy to me - all that is necessary is: visionary thinking, futuristic goals and objectives, innovative ideas, a clear understanding of your local chapter, state association and NALS, and the determination to make your plan of action happen. In reality, strategic planning is one of the hardest procedures an organization can embark upon.

Strategic planning is exhausting. It is an experience in which one must use all of their mental knowledge and capabilities to envision the path that an association will travel for the betterment of its members. Of course, this path of visionary action will take place during a time when we do not know what tomorrow will hold.

However, strategic planning, albeit a tiring effort, is also very rewarding. It is the enlightened cooperation of a group of members to set in motion the goals and objectives for the very existence of a chapter or state association in a time and place that has yet to be experienced. It is watching those very goals and objectives take on a life of their own and cultivate into the visionary thoughts that one could have only hoped for in the plan of action. It is the growth of membership . . . it is the attainment of legal professional certification . . . it is the development of future leaders in your chapter/state . . . it is the mentoring of new members . . . it is the attainment of professionalism in one’s personal life and career . . . it is making the commitment to be the best legal professional one can be.

Patience, idealistic thinking, risk taking, knowledge of our multi-level association are just a few of the characteristics needed to successfully enter the world of strategic planning. For many, the first step is to research the thought process needed through books dedicated to strategic planning. Learn all you can about the course of action of strategic planning to encourage your members to take an “active” and “wanted role” in this visionary experience. Strategic planning is best experienced with all minds working together in harmony to attain the dreams of their future.

The idea of strategic planning was uniquely expressed by Walt Disney – “We keep moving forward, opening up new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Dream your dreams -- experience the fruits of your labor for your chapters and states -- take the time to be prepared for your future . . . Strategic Plan!