A-h-h, The Strategic Plan....

Planning on how to get from A-Z...

Certain lots of credit union folks, about now, are dead in the midst of outlining their strategic planning document for 2016. 

Many credit union leaders still believe that no one will know what to do, nor know how to act, come the first of January, if a new strategic plan is not firmly in place!

Of course, it's very reassuring to know that a strategic plan has been adopted and that management knows exactly what's going to happen next.  Really good CEO's can plan 5 years in advance, the very best CEO's concoct 10 year plans, although "the best" are rarely around that long.

Simple thinking...!

Who would have ever imagined that running a credit union could be so simple ? What were we thinking?


Equally, it's always amazing how reliant credit union employees are on their strategic plan. Experienced managers and Boards pull out their strategic plan first thing each morning to get guidance for the day, the week, and the rest of the year. The most diligent employees will recheck their strategic plan several times during the day for reassurance, much like a Muslim being called to prayer.


NCUA, as a "robust", independent federal

agency, is also a big proponent of strategic plans; in fact, they often use strategic planning as a substitute for thinking.  

But, just in case you haven't quite finished up that latest plan as yet, here's a suggestion for an eye catching title for you.  Call next year's plan...

"The 2016 Credit Union Sitting Bull Plan" 

"The Sitting Bull" label may, for some, evoke several layers of meaning, but there is no doubt that the famous, Native American chief was a superb strategic planner back in '76 at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Same can't be said about Sitting Bull's opponent in that contest, which as you will recall is still known as...

"Custer's Last Plan"

Kinda has that "robust, independent federal agency hauteur look", 
doesn't he!
[Would probably make a great Chairman!]

General George Armstrong Custer was, of course, a "robust federal planner". And, as George's troops well understood, if you're following a "robust federal plan" (even one approved by the NCUA!!!)...

Good Plan!

... always be sure to save that last bullet!