Welcome to Week 4 of our 7-week series on the “7 Deadly Sins of Strategic Planning.” This week, we’re examining Envy, an all-too-common foible that can lead organizations to covet the strategic plans of others, ignoring the unique tapestry of their own strengths and challenges. At Crane + Grey we encourage you to celebrate your organization’s distinctive genius and create a strategic plan that’s custom-tailored to your community’s needs.

Week 4: Envy – Copycat Plans 🐾

Ah, the ever-tempting siren call of Envy! Just like the infamous meme of the wandering-eyed boyfriend, it’s easy to become captivated by the allure of what others have, especially when it comes to strategic planning. But don’t be lured into a false sense of security by trying to replicate someone else’s success. Instead, stay true to your organization’s roots, embracing your unique DNA and forging a path that’s tailor-made for your community. Trust us, you’ll have the last laugh when your custom-fit plan yields impressive results!

Problem

Envy entices organizations to mimic the strategies of others, hoping to reproduce their success. Alas, this copycat approach disregards the specific context and circumstances of your organization and community, leading to a less effective, ill-fitting plan.

Example

A well-meaning nonprofit combating food insecurity adopts a strategic plan from a similar organization in a distant region, only to discover that the plan fails to address the unique needs and resources of their local community.

Solution

At Crane + Grey, we help organizations resist the allure of Envy by crafting bespoke strategic plans that embrace your organization’s one-of-a-kind DNA. We collaborate with you to uncover your strengths, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring that your plan is a harmonious fit for your community and organization.