Jun 132 min read

Strategic Planning Retreat

Updated: Jul 16

I had an inkling....a little hunch.

Elaine Morales Enterprises Team takes the Options Center Team on a peer visit to Jovenes Adelante

It had been 14 years since the Options Center had created their last strategic plan. This plan guided the growth of the program to offer Success Counseling and expanded training and professional development. They were able to achieve phenomenal results.

The Options Center's first planning session at Casa Proserpina in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

In 2023, feeling not a little battle-weary, but with some temporal distance from the global crisis and the recognition that all have entered a "new normal," to which we must continue to adapt, Options' leadership determined to create some time and space to take stock of where they landed and to re-commit to a vision for education equity and youth-centered service.

They asked us for help.

Talking about challenges and opportunities at the Options Center Strategic Planning Retreat

We checked in with everyone - "What would make this process really valuable for you?"

There was a lot that came up...

"Co-create a 5-year plan"

"Re-Imagine how and why we do this work"

"Be re-invigorated about the work and why we're doing it"

"Ensure alignment with the changing needs of those we serve"

AND

"Re-vitalize culture"

"Strengthen relationships"

"Bring a feeling of community back to the office"

"Improve collaboration between teams"

"Boost morale"

"Increase fellowship and camaraderie"

"Initiate bonding"

"Feel galvanized and empowered"

My hunch was...

we needed to remove distractions and bring folks into a generative space. In my experience, set and setting can open portals to new ways of thinking and being.

I was right.

The After

This was one of the most rewarding professional experiences I have yet experienced…and not just because of all the love. I was privileged to hold space for this transformative work…and then hand over a plan, a vision, and the beginning of a manifesto to guide this talented and committed team in their work.

Team Elaine stands ready to serve, and midwife your organization’s re-birth.

This 4-5 month process, culminating in a 5 day off-site retreat in an incredible, creative setting, can be just what you need to create synergies among staff; bring forth innovative thinking; give time and space to generate new ideas and dream and plan for the future.