Testing Strategy Strength
McKinsey is considered the premiere firm in management consulting. There may be other firms as good, but very few.
They have developed a set of “tests” aimed at helping executives assess the strength of their strategies. I have done a good bit of editing and translated these into evaluations for development people.
Test 1: Will your development strategy and service be able to compete with other organizations that also call on your same friends and donors?
Test 2: Does your development strategy tap the true essence of your organization’s uniqueness? Have you identified what makes you very special and different?
Test 3: Is your development strategy firmly in place so you know who to call on and how to most effectively make your case? And at what level of giving?
Test 4: Does your development strategy put you ahead of trends in philanthropy?
Test 5: Is your development strategy farsighted and innovative (not settling on old, hoary, outdated insights)?
Test 6: Does your development strategy indicate that at times you must embrace ambiguity and uncertainty?
Test 7: Does your development strategy balance commitment to the organization with flexibility in presenting your case?
Test 8: Is your development strategy pure— uncontaminated by a rigid bias and an out-dated mission of the organization?
Test 9: Is there dedication to act promptly on your strategy?
Test 10: Have you translated your strategy into an action plan?
Give yourself a score of 1 to 10— ten being “always” and one being “never.” If you score 90 and above, you are on your way to success.
Here’s an idea. Make this the basis of a discussion at your next Board or staff meeting.