A Strategic Planning Resource Library for Credit Unions and Non-Profits
Browse free strategic planning guides, articles and tools to take the mystery out of strategic planning and help you achieve your organization’s goals this year
Whitepapers
A Comprehensive Guide to Strategic Planning for Credit Unions
Kathy Darwin, Founder & John Molenda, Malcolm Baldridge Judge
Strategic planning can be challenging for even the most seasoned of credit union executives. So many moving parts and unique personalities create a truly consuming process, often producing murky results, grumbling staff, and goals that fizzle by mid-year.
This whitepaper dives deeply into 10 specific tips on how to improve your planning process, complete with questions and real-world examples, from two vastly experienced credit union veterans: Kathy Darwin, the nation’s only CU-centric planner, and John Molenda, CAO at HawaiiUSA FCU and esteemed Malcolm Baldridge Judge.
Client Stories
How the West (Texas) was WON: Estacado Credit Union
Kathy Darwin, Founder & Mark Roddenberry, Estacado CU President/CEO
In this case study, we will dive into the relationship between thriving Estacado FCU and CU-centric strategic planner Kathy Darwin. We will learn about a very big decision Estacado had to make in 2018, and how having an outside planner as a trusted resource was invaluable to them in these uncertain waters. Areas of discussion in this study include:
Why a planner who knows credit unions inside and out is critical
The pitfalls of relying on internal resources for your strategic planning
The need for accountability partner throughout the year
Articles
How We Do Strategic Planning Differently
What do you think of when you hear the words ‘strategic plan’?
Did your skin crawl just now? Did you start to doze off while remembering your last endless meeting where a lot of words were said but it felt like nothing got accomplished?
Even more common - do you have vague memories of drafting and circulating some sort of plan a few years back, but you’re positive that it’s filed away in a drawer somewhere and it hasn’t been looked at since?
That’s usually how strategic planning is done. Depending on the organization it can take place huddled around a cramped boardroom table for hours or even days on end, or if the resources are there, over a few days getaway at a fancy golf retreat. Whether there’s 18 holes and an open bar or dim lighting and lukewarm takeout, the end result is usually the same.
Who's At The Boardroom Table Of Your Non-Profit?
In a Fortune 500 company, your directors are usually powerful, highly educated professionals who know the inner workings of the business world. They’ve been elected to a seat on the board because they’re often successful in their own right, and have a keen understanding of finance, sales, and what makes a company tick.
They’re elected because they can transfer those skills to the board of this company. A board seat, paid or unpaid, is still an honor to hold, as you’re the one trusted with moving the company in a positive direction. You may have top talent running the organization day to day, but there are top minds behind the boardroom table hiring and supporting that top talent.
So why should your non-profit be any different?
“Time to Invite FinTechs to the Table?”
CUToday’s Ray Birch Interviews Kathy Darwin on her Planning Process
PHOENIX—Strategic planning sessions can be made far more productive when the credit union invites a “disruptor” to the meetings, one person insists. Strategic planning expert Kathy Darwin, head of Kathy Darwin Executive Coaching & Business Strategy, said that means actually inviting a local fintech executive to the meeting, or at minimum taking another step that involves putting a chair to work.
“Disruptors bring an innovative approach to a business model. They usually do one thing and they do it very well,” said Darwin. “Invite them into your planning process and you will see how you’re thinking changes.”