Executing Your Strategic Plan

Session Agenda

1. Reconnect with your coaching group (if applicable).

2. Share a devotion and prayer.

3. Defining Strategic Planning Steps

This session continues the strategic planning process with further discussion about strategy, goals and action plans. As we continue making strategic plans and leading others through the process, let’s define the steps we’re taking:

• Mission – Why we exist.
• Vision – What we want to be and do.
• Core Values – What we stand for—our guiding principles.
• Strategies and Action Plans – How we’ll get it done.
• Goals – How we’ll measure it.

The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) is a simple, repeatable, and proven formula for executing on your most important strategic priorities in the midst of the whirlwind. 4DX includes:

• Discipline #1 – Focus on the wildly important
• Discipline #2 – Act on the lead measure.
• Discipline #3 – Create a compelling scoreboard.
• Discipline #4 – Create a cadence of accountability.

5. The 4 Disciplines of Execution Discussion

• Discuss the ministry whirlwind vs. your wildly important goals (WIGs).
• Consider what it means to focus on the 2-5 things that will make all the difference in achieving your goals.
• How do you say “no” to activities that don’t contribute to your WIGs?
• How do you narrow focus and determine the key areas of maximum impact?
• Consider the importance of lead measures.
• How do you create momentum by focusing on influenceable, predictive actions?
• How do you create a compelling scoreboard?
• Consider a simple, visible, compelling measure of whether or not the organization is winning.
• What does that look like for your church?
• Discuss what it means to create a cadence of accountability for your team.
• How will you ensure that your goals are achieved?

Present your strategic plan to the rest of your coaching group (if applicable). Provide copies of your plan to each person in the group and follow this guide:

• Be open with each other.
• Some may be experiencing challenges within their congregations. Listen to each other and encourage one another.
• Pray for each other.
• Your church’s strategic plan should now be complete. If you haven’t finished your plan yet, continue to make progress. We understand that strategic planning takes time, patience and understanding.

If you’re using Recharge as a solo effort, find a trusted ministry friend or key leader with whom you can share your strategic plan. 

7. Strategy Execution Check In

With your strategic plan in place, begin implementing or executing the plan.

• Be certain that your entire church is committed to your plan of action.
• Discuss how your church will commit to the plan. A plan of action that is affirmed and supported by the congregation will unify and energize the entire church. People volunteer to work for and commit to a plan that is realistic and has measurable goals that they identify with.
• Your leadership team will help execute the plan of action. Lead them to implement the plan with excitement and enthusiasm.
• Are you experiencing any barriers in executing your plan of action? If so, what will you do and how will you overcome these barriers? Discuss and learn from other members of your coaching group.

8. Case Study: First West

Find a sample ministry application of The 4 Disciplines of Execution in the accompanying case study.