Strategic planning department

As the IB grows, planning for the long term has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity. We are becoming a larger and more complex organization, operating in an ever more confused world. Our strong position today means that we have a responsibility to make decisions about tomorrow—not just decisions about the practicalities of daily operations, but informed decisions about where we want the IB to be in five years' time.

These are difficult decisions that sometimes explore and challenge the very basis of the (IB)'s mission. They require detailed research, analysis and careful, coordinated implementation. The strategic planning department ensures that there is a small group of people with the time, energy and experience to focus on these issues.

What do we mean by strategy?

Strategy is about being aware and being in control of the change agenda. It requires us to have clear answers for a number of key strategic questions.

• Where are we and how well are we performing? This demands a clear understanding of strategic positioning, backed up by effective performance measures.
• Do stakeholders know and support what we stand for and where we are going? This implies that strategies are value-driven and that stakeholders appreciate the role and significance of their contribution. This is fundamentally about effective communication.
• How do we intend to follow this direction? This requires that our strategies build on, and exploit, key resources, competencies and capabilities, while recognizing that there will be a constant need for vigilance and flexibility.

It's helpful to think of strategy as a route on a map. It only works well if:

• we all know where we are today
• we all know where we want to be tomorrow, and crucially
• we all use the same map

That doesn't happen by accident or by developing strategy in isolated areas. The strategic planning department works in partnership with colleagues across the entire organization. It combines three roles: strategic analysis, project support and communications.