Working planning is an integral part of the Lighthouse Association Management approach to partnering.   So many times we have found associations conducting their business without an annual work plan- no road map to measure progress or success.  No agreed upon priorities or thoughtful allocation of tasks against capacity.   The Lighthouse team uses work plans as the cornerstone to each our agreements.  It specifies what we will deliver for the client, how much it will cost and when it will get done.    This provides a clear and transparent set of responsibilities and expectation for us and the client, which are agreed upon through an open planning and approval process.  Our plans generally include  a core set of activities that are fundamental to the organization’s goals and several new and innovative projects that work towards agreed upon growth or member service goals. This approach blends the success of what is working with the constant need to test and adopt new approaches.  Each work plan is then tied to a budget that provides the spending guidance for the year.  This gives staff the authority, within established bounds, to spend the association’s money.  Of course there is always the need to be flexible and to adapt to changing landscapes.  So that we can be responsive, we provide a certain about of excess capacity, but the work plan ensures that the team is not solely a reactionary force.    If you would like to see an example of our work plans or learn more about our planning process feel free to email me at [email protected]