Strategic Planning, Upgraded: Better Input, Better Goals, Better Execution

I’m excited to share my recently published book chapter from Metrics, Mapping, and Modelling for Masterful Management in Higher Education (Emerald Press, 2025) entitled Gather Input, Analyze, and Develop a Strategic Plan Focused on Beneficial Change.

Chapter 23 focuses on building a strategic plan that isn’t just inspirational on paper, but operationally integrated and built to drive beneficial change. It walks readers through gathering stakeholder input using both traditional methods and newer approaches like crowdsourcing, then translating that input into goals and objectives informed by a smarter use of SWOT analysis. The chapter also blends forward design (starting with where you want to go) and backward design (working back from desired outcomes) to create a plan that is coherent, measurable, and actionable—supported by tools in the Sentient Knowledge Map (SKM) for authoring a highly structured plan that connects priorities to operations. Along the way, it clarifies the difference between mission and vision, explores where “big ideas” for vision can come from, highlights the critical role senior leaders play in planning, and explains how incorporating the Sentient Initiative can strengthen strategy by improving institutional clarity, alignment, and execution.

Many of the book’s chapters have a companion video which can be viewed for free on the Higher Education Leadership Learning Online Community web site. Visit the site to see the complete and evolving list.

If you’re involved in higher-ed leadership, strategy, assessment, or institutional research, I’d love for you to take a look at the chapter and add your comments below. If you would like assistance implementing any of the ideas addressed, please compete a consultation request form – the first hour is free for any institution.