While both working for See Chicago Dance in 2022, we had the opportunity to oversee SCD’s strategic planning process for 2023. We created a template and led conversations to identify achievable quarterly goals. We also organized a retreat, during which SCD employees were given homework to answer challenging questions about the organization’s present and future direction. Anonymous responses were displayed and discussed, revealing both expected and unexpected insights.

Although there were clear synergies among SCD employees’ outlooks, the homework also exposed significant differences in perspectives. Some felt the organization should double down on programming like Chicago Dance Month, while others favored a stronger focus on dancer resources. With a small but determined team, it became clear that SCD couldn’t fully pursue both directions within a single year, but they could begin laying the groundwork for gradual expansion.

These insights then informed the organization’s overarching goals and next year’s goals, crafted to be both achievable and trackable. From there, quarterly milestones where established, along with quarterly reviews where the team came together and marked progress, allowing for adjustments if necessary. In 2023 SCD managed to achieve all five yearly goals, 3 of which above expectations.

Repeating the same process in late 2023, we ran the same retreat style strategic plan approach. We created quarterly and yearly goals, coupled with programs and activities to continue SCD’s progress form the year earlier to achieve their long-term goals.