Why do strategic thinking? How come it is important?

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Where is your croquet club is heading in the next few years?

Getting caught up in the day-to-day running of the club is easy, but taking the time to think about the bigger picture is crucial. A good strategic document isn't just a dust collector; it's a powerful guiding tool that helps your club:

• Set a Clear Direction: Know where you're going and what you want to achieve together.
• Make Smarter Decisions: Use your plan as a filter to decide which opportunities and ideas best fit your club's goals and values.
• Stay Focused: Keep everyone – committee, members, volunteers – pulling in the same direction towards common goals.
• Secure Funding: A solid plan often makes grant applications much stronger and less stressful.
• Engage Everyone: Clearly communicate your club's purpose (your 'Why Statement'), vision, and values to members, sponsors, and the wider community.
• Prepare for the Future: Think ahead about challenges and opportunities, making your club more resilient.

Think of it this way: strategic thinking helps answer the big questions –

Why does our club exist?

Where do we want to be?

How are we going to get there?

Investing a bit of time in thinking now can save heaps of effort down the track and help build a thriving, sustainable future for croquet in your community.

These kinds of planning documents can be done in conversation together. Even if you write down those 3 questions and answer them. That's a million times better strategic vision than none at all!