Get ready for the new year: The benefits of long-range planning
Perry Smith is a retired U.S. Air Force major general who lives in Augusta. He can be reached for feedback at genpsmith@aol.com.
This is the perfect time of year to put on your planner’s cap and to get ready for 2023 (and the remainder of the third decade to the 21st century).
For two marvelous years in the early 1980s, I had the pleasure of being the top planner in the U.S. Air Force. The learning experience was extraordinary. I had in-depth discussions with three of the best futurists of that time, including Herman Kahn, Alvin Toffler and Martin Cetron. In addition, 200 creative planners on my staff constantly brought me new ideas and thoughts on how to restructure the Air Force.
For the past 40 years, assisting the military, corporations, churches and nonprofits with long-range planning has been extremely rewarding.
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Here are a few techniques that may be used in any organization, large or small. Even your family can benefit from long-range planning:
Never make any important decision without considering the long-term implications of that decision.
Every three years, all organizations should have a half-day strategic planning session. First class facilitators should be hired to lead the discussions. Brainstorming techniques should be used (either manual or electronic or both) and wild, creative ideas should be encouraged. After new initiatives are agreed, implementation strategies need to be created and implemented.
Every year, the strategic plan needs to be reviewed. The question to be asked: Have recent decisions been in support of the strategic plan?
Whenever a candidate for employment in the professional ranks of your organization is interviewed, planning questions need to be asked and evaluated. It is important to evaluate the intellectual depth of any candidate.
Joining the World Future Society is highly recommended. The WFS produces an electronic magazine that is worth reading on a regular basis.
Here are three examples in the CSRA where long range planning has paid off:
When Saint Pauls Church decided to complete the upper rooms, it was decided to make them very appealing. Extra funds were spent in hopes that the rooms would attract wedding receptions, conferences, civic club meetings, etc. No corners were cut. Fourteen years after completion, the rooms have been a success. The rental income from the upper rooms has been very helpful in supporting the church’s annual budget.
A few years ago, a long-range planning session with board members of the Augusta Museum of History was held. At that meeting a decision was made to establish two new annual fundraising events. The results of the Jimmie Dyess Symposium and the Night at the Museum events have been very rewarding. The museum budget for 2023 is in good shape as a result.
When considering the annual budget, the Board of the Augusta Museum of History felt the expenses for electricity could be significantly reduced if solar panels were installed. Panels have been purchased and installed. These panels will be hooked up soon. Additional panels will be installed in the future. Hopefully, other public and private buildings throughout the CSRA will join the Augusta Museum of History in the use of solar energy.
Finally, there is an event coming up soon that should be fun and uplifting. Sponsored by the Augusta Museum of History, the annual Jimmie Dyess Symposium will be held at 5 p.m. Jan. 12. The event lasts less than an hour. Attendance is free and there is plenty of free parking. It honors three individuals for their remarkable support for worthy causes. At the end of the short ceremony, you will have the opportunity to meet with the honorees ‒ Pat Knox Hudson, Ed Gillespie and Medal of Honor recipient Mike Rose.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Smith: Tips on successfully planning for the new year
