{"id":9718,"date":"2020-02-27T19:34:50","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T19:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/?p=9718"},"modified":"2020-02-27T19:38:44","modified_gmt":"2020-02-27T19:38:44","slug":"orgcommunity-think-tanks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/orgcommunity-think-tanks\/","title":{"rendered":"How Think Tanks Help Association Leaders Learn to Be More Agile, Innovative, and Forward-Thinking"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s disruptive environment, it\u2019s not only the rules of engagement that change quickly \u2014 it\u2019s often the whole playbook. Rapid technological innovation coupled with increased competition is leading associations to rethink their business models and value propositions.<\/p>\n

As a vibrant network of association executives, entrepreneurs and strategic partners, .orgCommunity<\/a><\/strong> is dedicated to shaping the future of associations. Through\u00a0its\u00a0collaborative events,\u00a0small group\u00a0learning opportunities and peer-to-peer counsel, .orgCommunity\u00a0is a trusted partner to\u00a0executives\u00a0seeking to\u00a0foster innovation and enhance\u00a0leadership skills to achieve\u00a0business goals and\u00a0advance their organizations’\u00a0missions.<\/p>\n

.orgCommunity\u2019s think tanks are helping association leaders learn to be more agile, innovative and forward-thinking through original research and engaging discussions. The focus of the 2019 think tank series was on the topic of strategic planning.<\/p>\n

The information below highlights the process .orgCommunity members adopted to build a solution for overcoming the roadblocks associated with strategic planning.<\/p>\n

\"People
.orgCommunity\u2019s think tanks are helping association leaders learn to be more agile, innovative and forward-thinking through original research and engaging discussions.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Process<\/h2>\n

Identifying an Issue<\/h3>\n

Over the course of three half-day sessions, the group identified the challenge and roadblocks associated with strategic planning, collected input from other associations, and brainstormed new models and effective strategies to increase impact.<\/p>\n

During the first session, the discussion focused on how association executives engage in strategic planning and expect to continue to do so, but also on how frequently they are not satisfied with the value of those efforts. The group agreed that traditional planning models are not as effective as they need to be.<\/p>\n

Everyone understands the need to redefine their value equations in order to transform their business model and succeed in the marketplace. Yet because most professionals have not re-imagined the decades-old planning process, they are not able to keep up with the changing business landscape.<\/p>\n

Collecting Data Through a Benchmarking Survey<\/h3>\n

Based on feedback from the first session, .orgCommunity conducted a survey to benchmark associations\u2019 current and future needs for strategic planning. More than 150 associations participated. The conclusion was that there is a gap between formal planning and actual behaviors. Traditional plans no longer provide the ongoing focus needed to navigate the future.<\/p>\n

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Asking the Right Questions<\/h3>\n

The second session was a review of the benchmarking survey results and an exercise about asking the right questions. Participants asked questions within the framework of Why \u2013 What If \u2013 How<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By brainstorming fundamental and compelling questions related to strategic planning, the group quickly realized that the traditional approach isn\u2019t necessarily failing; it simply isn\u2019t as impactful as it could be.<\/p>\n

Why do strategic plans fail or fail to impact? What if we asked more questions about our purpose?<\/p>\n

The group created question sets about potential outcomes to focus on why, then what if, and finally how.<\/p>\n

An example question set asks:<\/p>\n