Core Competency: Planning Strategically

Strategic planning is a continuous process of taking a step back, evaluating where a program is now, mapping where your program should go, and creating a plan for how to get to an end goal. This planning process should be active and involve key partners in the Flex Program for critical insight to support in rural communities. Flex Program staff should also use the NCC and other FORHP documentation as the vision which drives the work forward.

PROFICIENCIES:

• Clearly defined mission, vision, and values for the state Flex Program
• Understand the changing needs and opportunities for the state Flex Program to improve financials, quality of care and health outcomes of communities
• Identify how program activities are linked between rural community needs and mission, vision, and values of the state Flex Program
• Utilize a comprehensive framework to focus and maintain stability of organization direction
• Regularly assess strategic progress of goals related to needs
• Utilize process measures and short-, interim- and long-term outcome measures to assess program progress and plan for the future

Related Resources:

A Strategic Planning Guide for Rural Communities

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

Mid-Level Leaders and the Transition to Value Video Series: Strategic and Systems Thinking

National Rural Health Resource Center

Rural Hospital Strategic Planning Toolkit: Hospital Best Practices and Recommended Strategies

National Rural Health Resource Center