From Plans to Progress: Strategy Frameworks That Drive Results

What does it take to succeed in local government strategy? ClearPoint had the pleasure of hosting two experts to answer just that. I sat down with LBL Strategies’ Randall Rollinson, President and Co-Founder, and Robin Champ, Vice President of Strategic Foresight, for a discussion centered around the intersection of strategy frameworks, performance excellence, and tools that empower organizations to drive meaningful results.

Watch the full recording here

In addition to exploring the Strategy Management Performance System (a.k.a. “The Wheel”), among other frameworks, we discussed how to use the International Association of Strategy Professionals’ Body of Knowledge (BoK) and Competency Model to build and execute a strategic plan that adapts to today’s challenges. Keep reading for proven frameworks, the value of certification for growth, and to gain insights into driving alignment within your agency.

LBL Strategies and the Strategy Management Performance System (SMPS)

LBL Strategies is a certified veteran-owned business specializing in strategic management since 1985. LBL partners with prominent institutions like the Baldridge Foundation to empower leaders to think, plan, and act strategically.

Let's explore the Strategy Management Performance System (SMPS), a six-phase framework for strategic management:

1. ‍Initiate: Setting the foundation for strategic projects. ‍
2. Environmental Analysis: Leveraging tools like strategic foresight and scenario planning. ‍
3. Strategy Formulation: Establishing direction and high-level strategies. ‍
4. Strategic Planning: Developing actionable operating plans. ‍
5. Strategy Execution: Aligning the organization with the operating model. ‍
6. Strategy Management: Managing strategy as an ongoing process.

Rollinson highlighted framework-agnostic approaches, accommodating various methodologies such as Balanced Scorecard, OKRs, Porter's Five Forces, and SWOT analysis. Notice how the SMPS provides a generic, yet comprehensive structure, allowing organizations to integrate different frameworks as needed.

Our goal is to align and integrate both frameworks at the strategic level.

A major focus of the session was the synergy between strategy management and performance excellence. While strategy management is semi-prescriptive and focuses on processes, performance excellence (like the Baldridge framework) sets aspirational criteria for organizational achievement. The crosswalk developed by LBL connects SMPS with performance excellence systems, creating a unified approach to strategic success.

The Role of Strategy Software

Champ shared her firsthand experience with strategy software during her tenure in U.S. government agencies, underscoring its importance in streamlining strategy execution and reporting.  

ClearPoint Strategy

Spoiler Alert: this is the reason ClearPoint Strategy was born. It bridges Phases 5-6, aiding in both strategy execution and performance management by supporting different frameworks, integrating generative AI, and simplifying tasks. Automate the manual, so that you can focus more on what matters most.

Building Strategy Success Through Certification: The International Association of Strategy Professionals (IASP)

While on the topic, we had to plug the strategy certification opportunities through the International Association of Strategy Professionals (IASP). Benefits of earning certifications like the Strategy Planning Professional (SPP) or Strategy Management Professional (SMP), distinguish, elevate expertise, and bring value to organizations.

Is this you?

• I want to be at the top of my game.
• I feel like my relevance is slipping away.
• I want to bring value to my organization/clients.
• I want to distinguish myself from other consultants.
• I want more confidence in strategic planning.
• I want to feel like I know what I’m doing.
• I’ve been assigned a strategy job that I have no background in.
• The stakes are too high to mess up.

LBL Strategies offers prep courses with a high pass rate, further supporting certification aspirants.

IASP Government Community of Practice (CoP)

IASP also leads a Government Community of Practice (CoP), for state, local, and federal government professionals to share best practices and insights.  

Shameless Plug 2.0: Join me for “Overcoming Challenges in Government Strategy Reporting” to imagine the future of strategy management! We’ll cover practical techniques to tackle common planning challenges and make modern strategy reporting effective and impactful.

Strategy management is dynamic and adaptable in nature. As organizations face increasingly complex challenges, the role of strategy software becomes indispensable for streamlining execution, enabling data-driven decision-making, and fostering alignment across teams. Professional certification in strategic management equips individuals with the skills to navigate these diverse challenges and make valuable contributors to their organizations.

ClearPoint Strategy remains committed to empowering organizations with the frameworks, tools, and expertise needed to transform plans into measurable progress. For more information on ClearPoint’s solutions, schedule a free demonstration with one of our strategy experts.

Special thanks again to Randall Rollinson and Robin Champ for sharing their expertise!