Strategic Planning: Defined
Strategic Planning- a process that determines where an organization is going over a
specified period of time, when and how the organization is going to get there, and how it
will know if it got there or not. A strategic plan traditionally focuses on the organization
as a whole. A strategic plan consists of a few key elements:
1. the mission statement
2. the vision statement
3. the development of a specific strategic plan.
The final product is a strategic plan that encompasses broad goals while, at the same
time, details exactly how and when those goals will be completed.
Mission Statement- a brief statement that defines the organization's purpose and primary
objectives. The statement’s prime function is internal - to define the key measure or
measures of the organization’s success.
Vision Statement- a lengthier and more detailed statement than the mission, it
communicates both the purpose and values of the organization. For employees, it gives
direction about how they are expected to behave and inspires them to give their best. In
general, a vision statement should represent the best possible outcome. The purpose of
the vision statement is to inspire, energize, motivate, and stimulate the organization’s
creativity and drive.
Strategic Plan- McNally Smith will apply its revised mission statement and newly
developed vision statement to a specific strategic plan. This strategic plan will be a
detailed and tangible plan of the goals, objectives, strategies and tactics that will move
McNally Smith closer to it’s mission. This plan will have both a specific three and fiveyear outlook. The tactics will be measurable and reachable, although ambitious.
Want to know more?
Suggested books:
• Applied Strategic Planning: How to Develop a Plan That Really Works (Leonard
Goodstein)
• Strategic Planning for Dummies (Erica Olsen)
• Success Planning: A ‘How-To’ Guide for Strategic Planning (Rebecca StatonReinstein)
Suggested Online resources:
• www.managementhelp.org
•
www.quickmba.com/strategy/strategic-planning
Step 1: Reflection on the Current Mission Statement
McNally Smith’s Current Mission Statement
McNally Smith College of Music preserves the legacy and promotes the future of
contemporary music by cultivating academic and artistic excellence in the next
generation of music makers. The college brings national and international industryexperienced faculty and professionals together to educate, challenge, and prepare students
to excel in their musical growth and professional careers so they may contribute to a
diverse society through their artistry.
What do you think? (Please feel free to use additional paper if necessary)
1. What is valuable?
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2. What are we not addressing? What should be changed?
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3. Language: List 10 dynamic, compelling, and energetic words that you feel should
be included in language used to describe McNally Smith (for example, language
that you feel is necessary for our mission, vision, or strategic plan).
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Thank you so much for your time and ideas!