Strategic Planning and the Information ProfessionalA&SL Careers EventApril 2011

Cathrine Burke

Today

•Strategic Planning Who does it? What is it ? Examples

•What has it got to do with me? As an information professional As a team member in any organisation

•What’s in it for me? Career and personal development opportunities

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Strategic Planning – who and when?At some point every organisation and every

individual plans strategically for the future• Individuals▫Career▫Life stages▫Education

•Organisations▫All organisations even the smallest businesses▫Periodic▫Driven by new challenges or a crisis▫Change in leadership

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What is it?

•Lots of literature of the topic•Generally consists of a▫Vision or Mission▫Set of beliefs▫Tangible objectives

•Not▫Something the CEO dreams up in a dark room

•Must be▫Real and meaningful to the whole organisation

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The Process

•Consultation- Internal and external•Competitor analysis•Market research•Analysis of all internal processes

Ultimately resulting in aVISION

SET OF BELIEFSOBJECTIVES

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Examples

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ExamplesCompanyCompany Vision StatementVision Statement

Xerox

Motorola

Apple Computer

McDonald’s

Starbucks

Microsoft

“To be the leader in the global document market by providing document services that enhance business productivity.”“To be the world leader in communications, information and entertainment.”

“To change the way people use information to work, learn and play.”

“To become the world’s easiest quick-service restaurant choice for customers.”

“To be the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world.”“To create software that empowers the users of personal computers.”

Closer to Home

IBEC will promote the interests of business and employers in Ireland by working to foster the continuing development of a competitive environment that encourages sustainable growth and within which both enterprise and people can flourish

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Closer to Home

By 2020 the National Library of Ireland will be a dynamic and world-class institution providing access

to information. It will deliver the widest possible range of innovative, quality services of relevance to

its users. It will be outward looking and will play a vibrant and central role in Irish life and will be a

leader and a co-ordinator of recorded cultural and intellectual life. It will make a tangible difference.

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All very interesting but….

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Context

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The Opportunity• Typical responses to management decision to undertake

a strategic planning exercise

Not my job. I am a ….

FearParticularly if you are viewed as a cost centre

What’s the point in getting involved if I have no influence?

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Seizing the opportunity

1. As a Team member•What a great chance to be involved with other

parts of the organisation• I have some great ideas about how we could do

this more effectively• I have some ideas that will make us more

relevant to our clients/members/customers

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Seizing the opportunity

2. As an Information professional• I welcome this opportunity to demonstrate the

specific skills I can bring to bear ( excellent research, organisation, deep understanding of)

• I want to make this department much more relevant to its customers

• I am going to use this opportunity to understand more fully what is needed now, in 5 years

•What are the ‘hot topics’ for my customers

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Win - Win•The Organisation▫Benefits from your skill set▫Has seen the broadest range of your skills and

competencies▫Sees commitment

•You▫Part of the Team▫Great experience outside your natural comfort

zone▫CV

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Conclusion

•Now more than ever, be OPEN•Balance natural pride in your profession with the

need to service your customer/client/organisation

•See your skills and competencies as broadly as possible

•Get involved- experience is all

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