What to Expect in 2018

Happy New Year!

I am really excited about the events Naslund Consulting is undertaking in 2018. In October I spent a day with my Online Communication Leader, Rosemary Stephanson, and we planned the activities for the upcoming year. It was the perfect day for me on two accounts:  I was able to do what thrills me – planning for my own business, and now I have a clear path for the upcoming year.  

1. A strategic plan is a blueprint for the next 3-5 years.  As an executive director, I was torn between the numerous priorities of different stakeholders. For example, funders setting new directions, expectations, and services expecting us to respond. Instead of reacting to their changing focus, the board evaluated the opportunities and considered them against the path we set.  
2. A strategic plan communicates direction to stakeholders. This build trust, confidence, and commitment to the organization.  Furthermore, in the development stage, input is sought from community members (e.g., clients and community leaders) which furthers relationships and support. For example, before spending a weekend on planning, the board and I would host focus groups, send out surveys, and discuss needs with staff and clients.    
3. Internally, the plan connects board and staff. The board uses the plan to guide decision-making and further board development and shares it with employees who are responsible for implementing it. Furthermore, the performance of the executive director and in turn her staff is measured against the goals. She is accountable to the board through regular reporting on the goals and gets information from her team to include in the report. Goal setting sets a chain of responsibility and accountability from stakeholder to board, to executive director to staff. Important Note: Don’t leave employees in the dark. About 90% of the students in the Great Supervision classes don’t have any idea about the goals set out in their organization’s  strategic plan nor how they are a part of achieving them.

Let’s use my 2016-2019 plan as an example of how a plan is developed and used.

Firstly, I revised my vision: Nonprofit leaders are inventive, confident, and courageous within their industry which led to my mission: Naslund Consulting advances leadership in nonprofit organizations through training, coaching and organizational development services. I set four goals, one of which is: To establish a robust online presence which flowed into tasks such as:  Hiring an expert in online communication – that’s Rosemary.  Together we developed a communication plan which includes the activities to meet the goal.  Here’s the gist of it:

In 2018 you can expect more from us by way of webinars, eBooks and educational programs.  Quarterly programming, which I introduced in the Fall with Gossip and Conflict,  will continue.  

For example, mid-January, we will be offering an educational package called Leading through Conflict which encompasses:

1. A one-hour webinar on Gossip: What Everyone Is Talking About to complete the program.  
2. The accompanying 20 page eBook:  What Everyone is Talking About:  A Leader’s Guide to Minimizing Gossip in the Workplace, and
3. The Educational Program: Conflict:  Having Tough Conversations at Work and Home

(If you purchased 1 & 2 during the fall, you will receive the webinar FREE.)

Secondly, my credentials and experience got me approved as a member of the distinguished Forbes Coaches Council, an elite group of thought leaders who share their wisdom with one another through a support network and pass on their knowledge worldwide through Forbes. In 2018, I will share what I learn as a member of the Council with you, and I will personally introduce you to some of my fellow members. 

On a final note, I remain at your service, meeting your educational, coaching and board development needs. I am happy to discuss difficult situations, customize training to meet your requirements and support the work you do. 

Here’s to 2018!