STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic planning is only as valuable as the process behind it. Too many organizations invest in a weekend retreat, receive a polished document, and watch it gather dust within six months. The reason is almost always the same: the plan was built on assumptions instead of data, and the people responsible for executing it never felt ownership of the goals.
At Cyndi Wood Associates, we do it differently. Our three-phase engagement — beginning months before any planning retreat — ensures that by the time your board walks into the room, the strategic direction has already been informed by the real voices of your organization: your Board, your staff, your stakeholders, your community. The retreat becomes a moment of clarity and commitment, not a blank-slate brainstorm.
The result is a plan your leadership team owns, a dashboard they use, and a consulting partner who stays with you through the first year of implementation.
OUR APPROACH
A Three-Phase Process Designed Around Your Needs
PHASE I: SOAR Analysis
Time
We conduct an internal Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results (SOAR) survey with your Board, staff, and key stakeholders to assess readiness, surface tensions, and uncover hidden strengths. Delivered with a full report and CWA recommendations.
PHASE II: Needs Assessment Survey
We engage 100–200 of your stakeholders — clients, members, donors, volunteers, and community partners. Simultaneously builds your volunteer, donor and committee pipeline.
PHASE III: Strategic Plan & Retreat
Facilitated 2-day retreat producing SMART goals across Leadership, Resource Development, Communications, and
Programs & Services — plus a living dashboard to track progress.