A conversation that matters

The very process of developing a strategy, done well, can create more than a plan for future activities. Strategic planning provides space and time for important conversations.

When people hear the words strategy development, they picture slide decks with whizzy diagrams, away days with sticky notes, flip charts covered in lofty mission statements, and endless debates about wording. These all exist, of course, and I'd defy anyone in the charity sector to run any kind of away day without post-its but a strategy isn’t just a document.

A future planning process gives an organisation an opportunity to convene honest conversations, strengthen relationships, and explore topics where there might be disagreement. These are exactly the conversations that get pushed aside in day-to-day charity life, but are so important to have.  

Charity leaders are under tremendous pressures from rising demand, shrinking resources, and exhausted teams. Against that backdrop, the idea of “strategic planning” might seem like a luxury. But the questions asked during the process and encouraging honest answers to them are vital. Where we are truly making an impact? What’s getting in our way and are we being honest about it? Which partnerships and voices are missing from the room? How do we want to operate sustainably?  

What’s powerful about strategy work is that it opens up opportunities for these conversations, allowing service users, boards, teams, and stakeholders to come together. Here are some important things to think about:

• Strategy work is a legitimate excuse to surface frustrations or challenges that quietly sap energy.  
• Inviting funders, community members, and staff into the process builds shared ownership and trust.  
• Instead of second-guessing, you get to hear directly what matters most to those you serve and those who support you.  
• When people contribute to building the vision, they’re far more likely to own it when it’s time to deliver.  

The next time you run a strategy process, don’t treat it as an admin exercise. Treat it as a chance to talk honestly, invite feedback, strengthen team relationships, and reset your organisation’s energy together.  

A good strategy doesn’t only say where you’re going. The process creating it builds the trust and alignment you’ll need to get there.

Day of the Week 📆

It is World Mental Health Day today, October 10th.

This year's theme is mental health in catastrophes and emergencies, highlighting the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability. Given the extraordinary global instability that we're living through, I'd make a case for thinking about mental health every day.

What am I reading? 📚

I liked this article about Sanna Marin, the Prime Minister who tried to have a life outside the office.

I'll look forward to reading her memoir:

Marin’s life, like that of many in her generation, was shaped by the deterioration of the welfare state in the late twentieth century, an era-defining economic crisis in the twenty-first, and technological advancements that have created an expectation of 24/7 professional availability, forever changing the culture of work.

What am I watching? 👀

A Brummie dissects the accents of the Peaky Blinders ❤️

What am I listening to?👂

This Cov kid was on Brum Radio representing Better Streets for Birmingham. For a whole hour! It was an interesting and wide-ranging conversation which you can listen to here.

Joy-giving things 😍

I went to a wedding at the weekend.

And I got to be in one of those wedding parties being transported along in a Routemaster being video'd by tourists. Absolutely tremendous fun!

Have a brilliant weekend

Lucy

If it’s your first time reading this newsletter, find out more about me here.

I write this newsletter because I believe in sharing ideas that help us work towards a truly equal world, particularly in the workplace.

Share it with your friends so they can read it too 📣

ChangeOut is created by Lucy Caldicott. You can find more about my work at ChangeOut.org.

If you’re looking to have a chat about culture, leadership, purpose, equity, or a facilitated team discussion about any of those things, get in touch. You can also find me on Bluesky, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

🎺🎺🎺 YouTube 🎺🎺🎺

If you like what you read and you'd like to show your appreciation in cash, you can do that here. I'd be very grateful!