Strategy Implementation Overview
At the beginning of the academic year, senior leaders determine the primary strategy initiatives to focus on and assign each an executive sponsor from Cabinet and a senior leader to helm the work. The strategies identified as college priorities are given special status as Collaborative Work Teams (CWTs) and senior leaders pay closer attention to their progress. Over the course of the year, strategy and CWT leads report back regularly to Cabinet, sharing progress and engaging in discussion about how better to advance the strategy. At the end of the year, leads prepare a strategy report outlining the work accomplished, and proposing new goals for the coming year. In this way, strategy implementation is a collaborative and iterative process.
Charge
Executive sponsors review annual reports submitted by strategy leads and create charges for the next academic year. Annual charges direct the strategic work, giving leads specific duties to complete.
Report
Strategy leads create annual reports to submit to executive sponsors for review. Annual reports outline the charge, progress, challenges and recommendations for the strategy.
Action Plan
Action plans are put in place to encourage participation and help get things done in a timely manner. They outline what is to be done, when it is due, and the person in charge of getting the task done.
Strategy Lead Responsibilities
- Assemble team/committee as necessary to execute the charge
- Ensure progress is being made on each element of the charge
- Working with their sponsor, identify and remove barriers
- Update senior leaders on progress 1-2 times per year (more for CWTs)
- Submit a final report at the close of the academic year with recommendations to further this strategy in the following year
Executive Sponsor Responsibilities
- Monitor progress and deadlines
- Advocate for the CWT if it encounters an obstacle by enabling more resources
- Act in an advisory capacity
- Generally create an environment in which the work can be accomplished
- Respond to recommendations from the final report
- Help draft the charge for the coming year
Collaborative Work Team (CWT)
In line with our SLCC Value of Collaboration, some strategies require the help of a Collaborative Work Team (CWT) for implementation. A CWT consists of members from various areas across the college working together to move the strategy forward. Specific consideration is taken when creating CWT's to ensure there is representation so different viewpoints are heard and addressed.