This is a foundation-building activity for leadership groups, teams, and committees of up to 20 people as they prepare for a strategic planning effort. This program is also useful as an alternative to a full strategic planning process to move a unit or initiative into more strategic action.

 Possible leadership groups/teams/committees include:

- deans, associate deans, department chairs/heads, program/institute directors, and staff leaders

- research institute director, executive committee, and other staff and faculty leadership

- directors and associated staff and faculty leadership of other key units: student services, teaching center, library, etc.

For similar goals associated with larger teams or units, please contact us.

Individual asynchronous preparation (1-2 hours)

Each participant completes the following:

1. An initial survey to identify individual perspectives on strategic objectives,
contextual considerations, and operational challenges

2. A simple assessment instrument related to discussion, disagreement, and
conflict and review of an associated 11-page customized report

Group discussion (in the form of an in-person or virtual retreat) (3-4 hous)

All participants gather for discussion of:

- a report synthesizing individual input from the initial survey

- a presentation applying conflict theory to the process of strategic planning (includes a profile of approaches to conflict for this group based on assessment results)

- an introduction to leading strategic action and change in academia

- next steps related to strategic actions and planning in this unit

Individual asynchronous integration (3-4 hours)

Each participant completes the following: 

1. A follow up survey (to further clarify next steps)

2. A leadership assessment related to leading change (with a 27-page customized report)

3. A 90-minute consultation