8. Strategies: What is needed to move forward?

Strategies are solutions to the issues you identified during your exploratory research (i.e. solutions to ‘what you want to change’). If you were to consider a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, the things you want to change are your identified weaknesses and opportunities. There is no point in developing solutions to things that already work (e.g. your service and business strengths) nor solutions to things you can’t change (e.g. threats).

Developing an Action Plan

A separate action plan for each SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goal should be completed in Table 1 and shared with everyone involved. This will help others know how their work fits in and develop a shared understanding of the common goals.

To start each action plan write down the related SMART goal, any previously identified structural constraints and strengths you can draw upon to help achieve the goal.

Then, using a whiteboard or large piece of paper, list all the things that will need to happen in order to achieve each of your goals. You may wish to try brainstorming in a small group, looking at what, where, when, who, and how.

Once you have a good list of required strategies, list them in sequential order. Following this you need to name the person responsible for making each one happen and any resources (such as posters, training or a budget) they will need. To help you keep on track, also enter a due date for each action.

For each goal you will need to:

identify who will to be responsible for each action
identify strengths and constraints in achieving the goal
identify strategies that will achieve the goal
identify possible tools and resources
identify any training needs that may exist
develop an achievable budget
develop clear milestones for celebration.

Table 1: Action Plan
	The SMART goal is:
	The structural constraints are:
	Our strengths are:
	Strategies: Change the decor of the reception area
	Person Responsible: Jo Smith
	Resources Required (e.g. budget, training, or equipment): Budget of $300 to buy new frames and paint
	Due Date: March 2009
	Notes: Ask volunteers to assist with painting

Milestones

During the project there may be some milestones you notice that give you an indication that things are going well. For example, a father might request your service for the first time, or you may get your first bit of positive feedback from a father accessing your service. It is important to recognise these events and celebrate appropriately. Take some time to think about what you may see, or would like to see during this project on your way to achieving the SMART targets.

Make a note of them in Table 2 (below) and choose a celebration for each. How to celebrate is up to you and your team. Whenever possible celebrate together as a team and as soon as possible after the milestone has been achieved. You may choose to have a lunch together at the local café, take a photo and send it out in an email to your colleagues, or just shout out, yippee!

Table 2 Milestones to Celebrate
Milestone	Celebration Activity
A father volunteers to read the kids a story	Take a picture of the fathers with kids

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