Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning: What’s the Difference and What Difference Does It Make?

By Ann Johnson
Director, Center for Nonprofit Management

Possibly no other operational function is changing as much as the way in which organizations and businesses create strategy. Unpredictable environmental changes make three to five year plans often hopelessly out of date after one or two years. And just trying to “keep up” while staying innovative and entrepreneurial in providing product or service; developing, understanding and reaching out to new audiences and community; and being flexible while creating stability, is often unsustainable.

Strategic direction, strategic thinking, strategic operations, and strategic planning describe a variety of concepts and functions to meet these and other challenges. And often, they are misused or misunderstood.

Appreciating the essential differences between strategic planning and strategic thinking specifically may help you discern if your organization can or should move from one into another and how your strategy development can help you deliver more successful, long-term results.

Continue to full article to learn Ann’s view on the different applications of strategic thinking vs. strategic planning »

In this issue ...

Nonprofit Strategy
Survey
Upcoming Programs Success Story
Center Updates
Discounts

Survey

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Upcoming Programs - Nonprofit

Blue Ocean Strategy for Nonprofits
Sponsored by the Center for Nonprofit Management

Learn how to use Blue Ocean concepts to move from strategizing within existing structures and boundaries to creating new organizational value in ways that no one else has yet imagined. This special event is free and open to the public.

January 13, 2010, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Mini MBA for Nonprofit Organizations

Learn the essentials of managing and operating a sustainable nonprofit and gain the skills for successful growth in your organization.

Friday Afternoons, January 14 – April 23, 2010
Wednesday Evenings, January 20 – April 21, 2010

Fundraising Certificate Series

Discover how this certificate series helps you build a foundation to grow and support your organization so you can better fulfill its core mission.

Classes run every Friday starting January 29, 2010

Institute for Executive Director Leadership

Join a learning community of executive directors to gain an expanded base of knowledge, a broadened dimension of leadership, and the courage to sustain change and improve the quality of your nonprofit’s offerings.

Starts February 5, 2010 (Includes ten full days over ten months)

Mini Master of Nonprofit Finance

Obtain the tools needed for effective analysis and oversight of your organization’s finances with the latest ideas on how to strengthen your nonprofit’s financial situation.

Tuesday Evenings, February 9 – April 27, 2010

Board Leadership Summit

Bring your board to this one-day summit that will equip you with the tools you need to build capacity, results, and endurance for your organization.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Learn more about our full portfolio of Nonprofit programs »

Success Story

“After 25 years in the corporate sector, I was in job transition. I had heard about the Fundraising Certificate Series offered at the University of St. Thomas and decided to sign up for it. The series exposed me to every facet of the field and allowed me to slowly determine where my skill set would fit best.

Taking the series gave me the opportunity to meet professionals already established in the field who mentored and guided me. I am now working with individual donors as a Gift Officer and could not be happier with my decision to work in this rewarding field.”

Heidi Holley
Gift Officer, St. Catherine University

Center Updates

• We are currently in the process of revamping our Mini Master of Volunteer Management program with a new focus on advanced volunteer administration. Look for further information in our next newsletter.

• We held our semi-annual Fundraising Luncheon on December 11th. We were excited to welcome 25 Fundraising Series alumni and faculty members. Mark your calendars for the next luncheon coming April 30, 2010.

• Gain further insight into the newest developments in the nonprofit industry with the Center for Nonprofit Management’s Do Good Better newsletter, featuring one of our lead instructors, Ann Johnson.

Available Discounts

• MCN members qualify for a 15% member discount on any of our nonprofit programs.

• Use VIP Code Fund when registering for the entire Fundraising Series at once to receive a 10% series discount.

• A group rate of $395 is available for organizations sending 3-10 board members to the Board Leadership Summit. Individual admission is $195.

• Scholarships are available for the Institute for Executive Director Leadership.

Please call (651) 962-4600 for details on discounts.