Strategic Plan
WHAT IS A STRATEGIC PLAN?
A strategic plan aligns the organisation’s development over the next few years through informed choices without getting off track.
The strategic reflection exercise leading to a strategic plan delves deep into the organisation’s purpose, vision, strategic positioning, values and existing opportunities to identify priority directions for the organisation.
A strategy sets out a clear direction for the organisation and should be followed by an action plan. The strategic plan becomes the most crucial document for the organisation, serving as its compass for years to come!
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION?
The strategic reflection process behind a strategic plan varies and can range from three months to one year, depending on the complexity of the organisation and the necessary consultations.
WHAT ARE THE STRATEGIC PLAN ELEMENTS OR DELIVERABLES?
Strategic plans usually include the following:
- Mission, vision and values
- Positioning or strategic identity
- Prioritised challenges for the organisation
- Strategic directions and objectives
- Courses of action according to their strategic levels
- A summary table
WHO IS A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR?
Strategic plans can be used by organisations in their strategic planning (business, non-profit, institution, for example) and by economic development organisations, cities, or regional county municipalities (RCM) in their territorial planning.
Strategic plans are an excellent exercise for organisations that want to:
- Consult stakeholders
- Align their resources
- Clarify their directions and define development strategies
- Communicate their development intentions to the public
WHAT is INCLUDED IN A STRATEGIC PLAN?
Several types of analyses and consultations may be conducted as part of a strategic plan. These depend on the type of organisation, its specific needs and the budget available.
The following can be added to the process:
- A survey of partners, members, merchants, users, the population and all other stakeholders
- One-on-one interviews (partners, clients, etc.)
- Focus groups
- An economic forum or regional symposium
- Specific analyses of supply and demand
- An organisational diagnosis
- An action plan (in addition to the strategic plan)
- Occasional strategic support for other specific needs
- Other activities specific to the organisation’s context
HOW IS A STRATEGIC PLAN CREATED?
See the Strategic Planning page to learn more about the strategic planning process and our approach.
HOW CAN ESPACE STRATÉGIES ASSIST YOU?
Espace Stratégies is an independent firm that provides an outside perspective and a fresh outlook on your organisation’s challenges. As an outside collaborator, we can bring new ideas and challenge certain problematic status quos. We work with public and municipal organisations, as well as businesses, non-profits, investors and government entities. We use our understanding of different stakeholders and their needs to create relevant connections.
OTHER SERVICES
for whom?
portfolio
City of Terrebonne
The City of Terrebonne turned to Espace Stratégies for support throughout its strategic planning exercise, partly conducted online and in consultation with numerous stakeholders. Espace Stratégies also participated in drafting the City’s 2020–2025 action plan.
Collège Montmorency
Collège Montmorency chose Espace Stratégies to implement its 2021–2026 strategic plan and develop its information resource master plan. To fuel the process, the ES team organised extended consultations following a transparent and unifying strategic reflection approach with clear and effective change management principles.
L’Anonyme
After several years of accelerated growth, L’Anonyme felt the need for a new strategic planning exercise to update its objectives, service offerings and programs. To confirm its vision and supervise its strategic reflection, it chose Espace Stratégies—a collaborator for several years. ES supported L’Anonyme’s management teams in developing a participatory process to mobilise the organisation’s stakeholders and ensure relevant positioning aligned with its evolving environment.
