Dec 12 – An Introduction to Strategic Planning Facilitation

Over the past year or two Fr. Mark introduced the idea of strategic planning as a means for New Melleray to look toward the future. In the spring he used a monthly Conversation Group meeting to share what he had in mind. He continued moving this vision forward with the Abbot’s Council. Today he asked Dan Ebener to speak to the whole community about strategic planning and the role of a facilitator to building community through dialogue to identify the opportunities and challenges we see in our present and future, the priorities for addressing these items, the actionable approaches for addressing them, as well as the forms of accountability as the plan is put into action. He shared some of his past experiences and set some basic expectations of time commitment and involvement of the community to discern, develop, and follow through on a strategic plan at New Melleray.

Dan teaches strategic planning, team-building, and leadership skills for the Master of Organizational Leadership program at St. Ambrose University. He is part-time director of stewardship and parish planning for the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa.