Episode 30
A Strategic Plan That Gets Results with Nicki Nabasny, Ed. D.
Sarah Holtan, PhD, engages with strategic planning maestro Nicki Nabasny, EdD to unravel the complexities of creating impactful strategies within higher education institutions. Gear up for a deep-dive into the art of stakeholder mapping and the pivotal role of leadership sponsorship in ensuring a successful strategic transformation.
Nicki, with years of expertise in guiding colleges through strategic foresight, reveals the nuances of drafting a plan that is not only coherent but also forward-looking and ambitious enough to tackle the dynamic challenges of today's educational landscape.
Episode Highlights:
08:22 - Mapping out stakeholder influence really changed the game for us. It's about understanding who holds sway over the decision-making process and how to engage them effectively. Tailoring our approach to each unique campus culture allows us to create plans that are not only embraced but championed by the whole community.
17:05 - A common pitfall I've observed is plans becoming stagnant. Strategy should be a living beast, breathing and evolving with the institution. That's why I stress on a rolling 3-year strategic plan over the traditional 5-year models. It pushes colleges to stay relevant and responsive to rapid changes in the educational sphere.
24:40 - Buy-in is not just a buzzword; it's the backbone of strategic adoption. The key lies in aligning the plan with your mission and the leaders' vision. If you don't have the buy-in from the top, your strategy might just collect dust on a shelf. We delve deep into the tactics of securing leadership sponsorship, so your plan actually materializes into results.
Sarah Holtan, PhD
Nicki Nabasny, EdD