Definitions and views of strategy

What is strategy?

How do we link strategy to performance so that we can really:

• maximise our impact
• get full value from our activities
• make sure we are doing the right things as well as doing them right? 

This section will encourage an exploration of what we all think about strategy, how it works in our sector, and how we can improve our impact for beneficiaries by doing the strategy thing.

We will also use this section to expore the role of strategy as a means to getting an organisation through challenging times: not just about survival, but also about growth.  As an example, this Harvard Business Review article Achieving Excellence in Nonprofits discusses the critical issues facing US nonprofits, and steps that boards and executives can take to stay focussed.  Though set in a US context there is much that has resonance with the UK voluntary and community sector.

New to strategy? Start with strategy: a definition.

Views from strategy experts

• Strategic planning: steadying the ship, an exploration of the role of strategic planning in tough times by Seb Elsworth from acevo.
• The far side of a stormy sea: an article by Tim Wilson of Charities Evaluation Service on why strategy is vital in today's economic climate.
• Full value - the new approach to impact and outcomes: Dr Richard Piper of NCVO challenges us to think differently about the value of what we do.
• Fresher outcomes: from measurement to strategy, Dr Richard Piper of NCVO presents the Big Six questions as a method of planning and growing your organisation's outcomes.

Views from organisations

• KCLSU: a strategy journey, an interview with Steve Vaid, Chief Exec  outlining their recent strategy journey (including examples of their Strategy Tree, Values and Operating Plan).
• Leeds University Union: strategy review: Lesley Dixon, Chief Executive outlines their review process and giving examples of key documents.
• Brook - the young people's sexual health charity use scenarios to stimulate strategic thinking. Simon Blake, Chief Executive gives their rationale, process and new strategic framework.
• Macmillan Cancer Support: Juliet Bouverie, Director of Corporate Development discusses their approach to achieving their Ambition.

If you would like to share your experiences of strategy development why not write a case study and contribute to this site. 

Links to books you can buy or borrow

• Tools for Tomorrow: the bestselling guide to strategic planning for voluntary organisations
• Looking out: how to make sense of your external environment
• Essential guide to strategic planning: this publication can be purchased from acevo.

What books on strategy have you found useful and relevant to nonprofits?  Use the comments facility to add to this list

Links to other websites

Take a look at the Strategy Exchange for a thoughtful public sector resource bank for all matters linked to strategy, including critical analysis of current thinking.  What websites do you find helpful?  use the comments facility to share your links.