FISHER HOWE is the author of The Board Member's Guide to Fund Raising (1991) and Welcome to the Board (1995). The former executive of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, he lives in Washington, DC.

"Finally a strategic planning book that doesn't use consultantjargon espousing the latest flavor of the month. Straight talk withreal life examples gives nonprofit boards and staff a case and roadmap for strategic planning." --Charles E. Snyder, president,National Cooperative Bank "The Board Member's Guide to Strategic Planning is the result ofFisher Howe's robust commitment to the trustees and executives whoserve nonprofit organizations. Superbly organized with nine actualcase studies, uncomplicated in format and language, the book is oneof the year's most important calls to action." --Peter B. Relic,president, National Association of IndepAndent Schools "A must read for board members looking to strengthen theirnonprofit organizations. Fisher Howe's enthusiasm, insight, andability to clearly articulate the whats and hows of effectivestrategic planning provides the reader with the tools to strengthengovernance and manage effectively, which leads to results. TheBoard Member's Guide to Strategic Planning is a welcome addition tothe literature currently available." --Lawrence W. Reger,president, National Institute for the Conservation of CulturalProperty "How often do you get a book on management that holds yourinterest? Fisher Howe makes it a 'good read', and you learn. Don'tpass it up." --Robert W. Munson, president Rocky Mountain ElkFoundation

• Foreword xiHoward H. Willaims IIIPreface xvThe Author xxiPART I: THE BOARD'S PERSPECTIVE ON STRATEGIC PLANNING 11. Benefits of Strategic Planning 32. The Board's Responsibility for Strategic Planning 133. Examples of Strategic Planning from the Board Perspective 174. The Language of Planning 21PART II: PREPARING FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING 275. Plans for Planning 296. Effective Planning Meetings and Retreats 377. Using Consultants and Facilitators 418. Examples of Boards Preparing for Strategic Planning 459. Action Steps: Preparing for Strategic Planning 51PART III: CONDUCTING STRATEGIC PLANNING 5310. Clarifying the Mission: Purpose and Values 5511. Exploring Internal and External Environments 6112. Identifying the Critical Issues 6713. Articulating a Vision 7114. Examples of Strategic Planning Outcomes 7515. Action Steps: Conducting Strategic Planning 83PART IV: FROM PLANNING TO ACTION 8516. Putting Together the Strategic Plan 8717. Creating Operational Plans 9118. Action Steps: Strategic and Operational Plans 93PART V: KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PLANNING 9519. Principles of Successful Planning 9720. Final Tips 101Resources 103A. Often-Heard Objections to Strategic Planning 105B. A Sample Consulting Plan 107References 109Index 111

FISHER HOWE is the author of The Board Member's Guide to Fund Raising (1991) and Welcome to the Board (1995). The former executive of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, he lives in Washington, DC.

"Finally a strategic planning book that doesn't use consultantjargon espousing the latest flavor of the month. Straight talk withreal life examples gives nonprofit boards and staff a case and roadmap for strategic planning." --Charles E. Snyder, president,National Cooperative Bank "The Board Member's Guide to Strategic Planning is the result ofFisher Howe's robust commitment to the trustees and executives whoserve nonprofit organizations. Superbly organized with nine actualcase studies, uncomplicated in format and language, the book is oneof the year's most important calls to action." --Peter B. Relic,president, National Association of IndepAndent Schools "A must read for board members looking to strengthen theirnonprofit organizations. Fisher Howe's enthusiasm, insight, andability to clearly articulate the whats and hows of effectivestrategic planning provides the reader with the tools to strengthengovernance and manage effectively, which leads to results. TheBoard Member's Guide to Strategic Planning is a welcome addition tothe literature currently available." --Lawrence W. Reger,president, National Institute for the Conservation of CulturalProperty "How often do you get a book on management that holds yourinterest? Fisher Howe makes it a 'good read', and you learn. Don'tpass it up." --Robert W. Munson, president Rocky Mountain ElkFoundation

• Foreword xiHoward H. Willaims IIIPreface xvThe Author xxiPART I: THE BOARD'S PERSPECTIVE ON STRATEGIC PLANNING 11. Benefits of Strategic Planning 32. The Board's Responsibility for Strategic Planning 133. Examples of Strategic Planning from the Board Perspective 174. The Language of Planning 21PART II: PREPARING FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING 275. Plans for Planning 296. Effective Planning Meetings and Retreats 377. Using Consultants and Facilitators 418. Examples of Boards Preparing for Strategic Planning 459. Action Steps: Preparing for Strategic Planning 51PART III: CONDUCTING STRATEGIC PLANNING 5310. Clarifying the Mission: Purpose and Values 5511. Exploring Internal and External Environments 6112. Identifying the Critical Issues 6713. Articulating a Vision 7114. Examples of Strategic Planning Outcomes 7515. Action Steps: Conducting Strategic Planning 83PART IV: FROM PLANNING TO ACTION 8516. Putting Together the Strategic Plan 8717. Creating Operational Plans 9118. Action Steps: Strategic and Operational Plans 93PART V: KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PLANNING 9519. Principles of Successful Planning 9720. Final Tips 101Resources 103A. Often-Heard Objections to Strategic Planning 105B. A Sample Consulting Plan 107References 109Index 111