A Strategic Planning Training of Trainers took place at the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe from April 8-10. The workshop was for trainers from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to learn how to deliver a strategic planning workshop to organizations in their respective countries. The workshop, which I facilitated, was hosted by the Environmental Management Training Center (EMTC) Network and was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

  The workshop was divided into two sections. The first section directed the participants through an actual strategic planning process. The second section consisted of information about developing and delivering the workshop. The information that was provided is a step-by-step process for trainers to use in conducting a strategic planning workshop back home. It can be delivered to governmental organizations, NGOs, and businesses.

  The workshop's "interactive" approach of working in teams simulates how participants will do strategic planning when they return to their organizations and gives them a feeling of ownership, which is crucial for the strategic plan to succeed. During the workshop, everyone participates and shares individual viewpoints in a "team" setting. The participants use planning worksheets to guide them through each step in the process.

  The workshop was very successful and the participants left with a good "base" knowledge of strategic planning. Groups from each of the participating countries came up with a plan of action to carry out upon returning to their respective organizations. They all agreed upon three main steps:

1. Study the two manuals given (facilitator's and participant's) and other materials on strategic planning.
2. Adapt the materials to the trainer's needs.
3. Do the first workshop for their respective organizations.

  Doing a strategic plan for your own organization will take time. You may want to do the process in sections so that it will not take up people's time during the day. It may also be a good idea to plan a one- or two-day retreat from the office to teach others in your organization about strategic planning before actually starting it in the organization.

  The outline of the workshop can also be used to train other organizations in strategic planning. Many organizations have very little time to spend in a workshop, though, so it is recommended to keep the workshop simple and concise. You will find that organizations will be more favorable if staff are not away from the office for a long period of time.

- Don Holub  

TIPS AND POINTERS

The participants came up with the following suggestions to make the workshop more effective: Introduction It is important that people know each other before starting the workshop. Each person's name tag should include his or her name and organization Try to collect information about the participants beforehand. Team Work It is important to have team-building exercises so the participants can feel comfortable working together. Form permanent teams that will work throughout the workshop on the mission, goals and so on. Have the teams eat together during lunch. Participants should brainstorm on how to work in teams. When doing facilitation, emphasize consensus (voting is not the last word). Explanation of the Process Have 2-3 definitions of strategic planning. Hang these definitions up so everyone can see them. Use pictures and visuals when presenting. Use many examples. Explain the difference between strategic planning and action planning (future vs. actions). Have participants brainstorm the positives and negatives of strategic planning. Have a video of an actual team in process doing a mission, goals, objectives, etc. Training of Trainers If there are diverse participants, use case studies. Pass the case studies out on the first day and have the participants read it overnight. Keep the case studies short and concise (two to four pages). The case studies can be focused on a mayor's office a nongovernmental organization or a business. Follow-Up Have names of who will be on the team upon returning to the organization. Teams should have follow-up meetings on mission, goals, objectives and so on. Send out a questionnaire on the progress of the organization after 4 months. Promotion of the Workshop Find supporting organizations. Provide an outline of the workshop to interested organizations. Have success stories. Create a brochure on "What is Strategic Planning?" with an overview of your strategic planning workshop. Target the brochure to specific sectors. Have comments from organizations you have already delivered the workshop for.