Your Strategic Plan - To Moderate or Not Moderate
Having a moderator for your strategy meeting is beneficial in keeping everyone on track and focused. Who to appoint as the moderator will depend on your budget and specific needs. A professional and experienced moderator can ensure that discussions stay on topic, provide an unbiased perspective, and effectively manage the meeting schedule. A moderator is responsible for ensuring equal participation from all members, facilitating smooth conversations, and promoting a collaborative environment. While an internal staff member can fulfill this role, bringing in an external expert offers a more impartial viewpoint and increases the potential for successful outcomes in your meetings.
If you are still contemplating your options for who should lead and manage the discussions, here are some other possibilities to consider beyond your current connections. These alternatives can bring new viewpoints and skills to assist in guaranteeing that your conversations go smoothly:
Professional associations: Research and reach out to professional organizations that are relevant to your industry or business sector. These associations often have members who specialize in strategy and facilitation, which can provide valuable insights and a wider perspective on current industry developments.
Consulting firms: There are consulting firms that focus on offering strategy and facilitation services. Take the time to research and connect with firms that align with your overall goals and principles. These firms employ seasoned consultants who can offer an external perspective and use structured models to help achieve a successful outcome for your strategy.
Academic institutions: You may want to consider reaching out to universities or business schools that offer programs focused on strategy and leadership. Professors or instructors who specialize in these fields could potentially serve as moderators for your meeting, bringing both academic knowledge and real-world experience to the discussion.
Considering these alternatives will give you a range of viewpoints and the opportunity to succeed at your strategic planning on- or off-site, aiding in achieving your business objectives. Whichever direction you decide to go, ensure that your moderator is briefed on your strategy session’s goals and objectives ahead of time. This will help them align with your approach and facilitate a successful meeting.