How to Activate Your Strategic Plan

Explore how Sheridan College equipped their leaders with usable communication assets to turn their strategic plan into a platform for action and engagement.

Why Static Strategies Don't Cut It Anymore

In a world where change is the only constant, clinging to bulky strategic plan documents is about as effective as using a flip phone to post on TikTok—quaint, but hardly practical.

Today's dynamic business landscape demands tools that not just inform but inspire and engage teams. That’s why smart organizations are moving beyond static digital web pages of strategic plans and into something far more interactive.

The Problem with Keeping Strategy Under Lock and Key

Ever noticed how strategic plans often seem to exist more for decoration than direction?

They're meticulously crafted, launched with fanfare, and then gently placed on a digital shelf where they collect virtual dust. It’s a tale as old as corporate bureaucracy. The pitfall here isn’t just the creation of these strategic masterpieces; it’s that once they're done, they're often guarded like the crown jewels.

The result? A plan that's seen by few and used by even fewer.

From Static to Strategic: Sheridan's Empowering Approach

Let’s take Sheridan College as a case study.

Faced with fiscal adversities and regulatory overhauls, they needed to launch their strategic plan not just with precision, but with panache—and a hefty dose of practicality.

Their solution? Don't just hand out a plan; hand over the tools to engage with it.

We’re talking about a full suite of dynamic, user-friendly communication assets designed for every level of the organization. This isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about delivering capabilities.

Check Out Sheridan's Strategic Plan

Tools of Engagement: What Makes the Cut?

At Sheridan, every leadership team member received access to customizable PowerPoint templates, usable digital icons, and even meeting speaking notes and email templates that could be tailored to different departments and functions.

These aren’t your average corporate slides. Imagine templates that invite additions, not just attention.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

This approach does more than just inform—it engages. It transforms passive recipients of a strategy into active participants. When people feel empowered to use and adapt strategic tools, they’re more invested in the outcomes.

They’re not just following a plan; they’re part of it.

Engage, Empower, Excel: The New Mantra

The takeaway here is clear: If you want your strategic plan to live and breathe within your organization, make it something that people can not only see but shape.

After all, the best strategies aren’t just written; they’re built, day by day, by the very people who bring them to life.

In Conclusion: More Than a Plan, a Path Forward

So, as we look beyond Sheridan’s example, it's evident that empowering teams with the right tools isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for any organization serious about making strategic impact.

Don’t just share your vision—share the tools to make that vision a reality.

Also read: Fractional Leadership: Why bring on a part-time leader?