Strategic planning in the public sector can feel as daunting as untangling holiday lights. You have the vision of a perfectly decorated tree a community thriving under effective governance but getting there requires meticulous effort and alignment. In a recent Profit.co webinar, Nick Kittle delivered a masterclass on this process with a festive twist, drawing analogies between strategic focus and holiday traditions.
So, how can government leaders transform their community goals into something tangible and bright? It starts with defining focus areas the sturdy branches of your strategic tree.
Building the Framework: Focus Areas in Public Governance
In the public sector, focus areas are the foundation for serving your community effectively. They are the priorities that hold up your entire strategic plan, much like the branches of a Christmas tree holding its ornaments. Whether it’s public safety, infrastructure development, or housing, these areas must resonate with staff and constituents.
Learn how strategic planning can transform your community
Nick Kittle’s insights shed light on creating meaningful focus areas:
Define Clear, Simple Keywords
Think of focus areas as the themes of your tree. They should be simple enough for everyone to understand but specific enough to guide action. Examples might include “Public Safety,” “Economic Development,” or “Community Engagement.”
Nick emphasizes, “Clarity in focus areas is essential. Too many, and the tree collapses under its weight.”
Engage All Stakeholders
A well-decorated tree requires teamwork. Similarly, successful focus areas emerge when council members, staff, and the public collaborate. Hosting discussions or using tools like surveys ensures every voice is heard, aligning priorities across the board.
Limit the Number of Focus Areas
Four to eight is the magic number. Any more, and it becomes unmanageable. “When focus areas are concise, they serve as a roadmap, guiding decisions and ensuring resources are allocated effectively,” Nick explains.
Decorating the Tree: Bringing Focus Areas to Life
Once the branches (focus areas) are defined, it’s time to hang the ornaments your strategic objectives. These should align with your focus areas and include clear action verbs like “enhance” or “deliver.” For example:
Focus Area: Public Safety
Objective: Enhance emergency response times across all districts.
Focus Area: Economic Development
Objective: Deliver comprehensive support for small businesses.
Nick reminds us, “Good objectives ensure every team member can see their role in the plan. If they can’t, the strategy isn’t inclusive.”
Consensus vs. Consent: Avoiding Holiday Chaos
When it comes to community planning, not everyone agrees on the type of lights to string or the color scheme for the ornaments. Nick advises aiming for consent, not consensus: “Consent means no significant objections. It keeps things moving without endless debates.” This approach ensures diverse perspectives are acknowledged while maintaining forward momentum.
The Star on Top: Prioritizing Focus Areas
Finally, every tree needs a star. Once focus areas are defined, prioritize them. Use Nick’s playful suggestion of voting stickers to let stakeholders weigh in. This ensures that limited resources are directed toward the most impactful initiatives.
Final Thoughts: Light Up Your Community This Holiday Season
Strategic planning for public sectors doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By clearly defining focus areas, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining clarity, you can create a plan that serves as the backbone for your community’s growth and success. Just like decorating a tree, it takes effort and collaboration, but the results are worth it.
As Nick Kittle beautifully puts it, “Focus areas are where strategy begins, and execution brings it to life. Start with strong branches, and you’ll end with something truly bright.”