We’re in preparation for a strategic planning session with our Board. What can we do or prep in advance to make sure their time is well spent and we’re not planning a full day for them over zoom?

There are a number of actions you can take to make your strategic planning session over zoom more manageable and more productive.  First, it is important to understand the Board's expectations for the session.  Having those expectations clearly understood will help keep the session focused.  It may seem obvious but circulating an outline of the session in advance will help the participants understand the substance and flow of the meeting and what you expect to accomplish during the session.  To avoid that all day zoom meeting it is important to gather as much information as possible in advance of the meeting so that the information can be presented to the Board for review and consensus during the session.  Member surveys and Board interviews are an excellent way to get the information needed to develop the situation analysis (SWOT) and critical issues.  Doing this in advance allows the participants to more quickly come to agreement on these elements and then move on to the development of the goals, strategies and prioritized actions that are critical to achievement of the Board's desired outcomes.

Ralph Vasami, Esq
President, Kellen

Ralph has a broad background in engineering, business management, operations, finance, strategic planning and law. He is regularly called upon to facilitate client strategic planning meetings. Ralph received a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and a law degree from Pace University. He is a member of the New York State Bar.