Maintaining Implementation Momentum
Maintaining Momentum
Now that you have begun to implement your plan, the next challenge is to keep that positive energy channeled in a productive direction – to “stack successes” that build towards the ultimate goals laid out in your plan. One reason the organization leaders should be mindful in their creation of Goals and Objectives is to create connective tissue among the varied efforts, illustrating each task’s importance.
The following are some considerations for keeping the process rolling as you move through the plan cycle.
Measuring Results and Evaluation
Your KPIs and Metrics are the key to ongoing evaluation and assessment of your plan. In your planning phase, you took the time to indicate what progress looks like through the lens of these elements. Plan to build on them.
- Where is your data?
Knowing where to find data will be key before you begin implementation. Examine your chosen KPIs and metrics. Do you have access to the relevant data in-house? Do you need to make a request from the OPAIR team or another data source to find the information? Have a plan for accessing these data when you need them, so you are not scrambling to find them as your organization approaches reporting deadlines or other key dates.
- What to do when your organization hits its target KPI or Metric?
Do you consider this piece of the plan complete, or is there utility in trying to go above and beyond? Can you iteratively augment your plan to reflect this success?
- What happens if a metric or KPI turns out not to measure what you want?
You are not locked into these measures. This is a perfect opportunity for your implementation or oversight team to identify a more appropriate data source.
- What is working well?
You are not limited to an annual evaluation of progress (which we discuss in the next section) – and regular checks are a best practice in maintaining momentum. The frequency of these checks depends on your organization’s progress and complexity, but it is worth doing a regular examination of your organization’s work on the plan. If there are practices you feel are bringing you success, let us know in OPAIR – we will compile them and share them with the university community.
One way to keep track of your progress on various measures is to create a benchmarking scorecard. This scorecard gives brief descriptions of your Objectives and Strategies along with what you feel are appropriate targets for your metrics.
Celebrating Successes
One of the best ways to keep the energy high around the strategic plan is to celebrate your successes, especially when you reach major targets and milestones. Plan to report your successes to both internal and external constituencies.
- Refer to your communication plan.
If you have created a communication plan, you have already generated a list of stakeholders who should be informed of your successes. Make sure to fold these measures of progress into ongoing communications.
- Let the outside world in on your success.
Whether through the communications office, via your social media channels, or your local newspapers and TV stations – prepare some brief news releases on success stories.
- Let the inside world in on your success.
Make certain that accomplishments from the plan are included in regular internal newsletters, electronic signage, town halls and staff meetings, in-class announcements, etc.