Active Waiting
As the end of the semester approaches, sororities and fraternities often slow down as finals draw closer and end-of-year breaks near. This is precious time to get some well-deserved rest, and it can also be used to take advantage of undisturbed planning time for the next semester and academic year. In our previous blog, we explored how SMART goals can set clear objectives for officer transitions and the new year. Now, let’s dive deeper into strategic steps to reflect on our current progress and make those goals happen as we embrace the concept of “active waiting.” This proactive approach ensures that your organization is well-prepared for the future by creating a plan based on your SMART goals.
Goals vs. Plans
It’s essential to clarify the distinction between goals and plans. The SMART goal you’ve created is the North Star, the vision that guides your organization. It represents the overarching outcome you want to attain. Consider what needs to happen for you to achieve this goal? The plan represents the tactical, tangible steps transforming your vision into reality. It’s the roadmap you follow to reach your destination. Plans are the “how” and the means by which you make your goals happen.
Let’s explore the detailed steps to transition from goals to plans:
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Review and Celebrate Achievements
Begin with a comprehensive review of the year’s achievements with the help of the current officers and graduating leaders. Dive into specific accomplishments and evaluate the impact of these achievements on your organization and its members. Then, you can model success by determining which actions or steps generated the accomplishment and decide which to repeat, modify, or eliminate.
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Prepare for Growth (or your next big event/program)
Conduct a thorough review of your recruitment/growth plan. Evaluate the effectiveness of past strategies, assess which aspects worked well, and identify areas that need improvement. Examine the materials and resources used for recruitment, such as flyers, presentations, social media, and other online platforms. Create a plan to align the organization’s growth goals using different marketing platforms as the vessel. Ensure that these resources effectively convey your chapter’s vision, values, and the benefits of membership.
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Monitor Progress
Establish a robust system for tracking the progress of your SMART goals throughout the year. Develop a detailed framework that outlines the key performance indicators (KPIs), milestones, and other metrics to measure the achievement of each goal. Consider using software or spreadsheets to streamline this process and to give easy access to other officers.
Commit to conducting regular assessments of your progress. Set specific intervals, such as weekly or biweekly, for evaluating how close you are to achieving your SMART goals.
When you consistently monitor your progress, it becomes easier to identify areas that require adjustment or additional efforts.
Encourage data-driven decision-making by gathering insights from your monitoring process. This allows your chapter to make informed choices and adapt to changing circumstances effectively. If you’re falling short of a particular goal, this data-driven approach will guide you in making strategic decisions to get back on track.
Take advantage of where you are now as a time to be active and dynamic rather than passive. Utilize this proactive approach to ensure that your chapter remains ahead of the curve during transitional phases. The only thing that stands between a plan and a goal is action. By conducting a comprehensive review of achievements, preparing for recruitment with an emphasis on alignment with SMART goals, establishing a robust progress monitoring system, and taking action, you will set yourself up for a year of success with meaningful impact.
Written by Elena Pastore, Growth Consultant