Assignment: Exercises: How has the role of the strategic planner changed over the past several decades? What new skills will be essential for the strategic planner? Professional Development: Using the questions listed in Exhibit 2-8 (p. 68), as your basis discuss strategic assumptions and how you would respond to them in a strategic planning assessment. Textbook: Ginter, P.M., Duncan, W.J., & Swayne, L.E. (2013). Strategic management of health care organizations (7th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. ISBN: 978-1-118-46646-9
Over the past several decades, the role of the strategic planner has undergone significant changes. With the constantly evolving business landscape and the advent of new technologies, strategic planning has become a more complex and dynamic process. In the healthcare industry specifically, the role of the strategic planner has become even more crucial as organizations navigate various challenges such as healthcare reform, changing patient demographics, and technological advancements.
One major change in the role of the strategic planner is the shift from a purely analytical approach to a more strategic and proactive one. In the past, strategic planning was primarily focused on analyzing historical data and making projections based on past performance. However, with the increased uncertainty and volatility in the healthcare industry, strategic planners now need to take into account various external factors such as regulatory changes, market trends, and technological advancements. This requires a more forward-thinking and proactive approach to planning.
Another key change is the increased emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder engagement in strategic planning. In the past, strategic planners would typically work in isolation and develop plans without much input from other organizational stakeholders. However, in today’s complex healthcare environment, it is essential for strategic planners to engage key stakeholders such as physicians, nurses, administrators, and community members in the planning process. This helps ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and that the plans developed are more aligned with the organization’s overall goals and objectives.
Additionally, the role of the strategic planner has expanded to include a greater focus on innovation and creativity. As healthcare organizations strive to stay competitive and deliver high-quality care, strategic planners need to be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This requires a broader skillset that goes beyond traditional strategic planning techniques. Strategic planners now need to be creative problem solvers, able to think critically, and be open to new ideas and approaches.
Furthermore, strategic planners now need to be more adept at leveraging technology and data to inform their planning decisions. With the increasing availability of big data and advanced analytics tools, strategic planners can now access a wealth of information that can help them make more informed decisions. This includes analyzing patient data, financial data, and operational data to gain insights into trends and patterns. Strategic planners need to have strong analytical skills and be comfortable working with data to effectively utilize these technologies and leverage the power of data-driven decision-making.
In conclusion, the role of the strategic planner has evolved significantly over the past several decades. The strategic planner of today needs to be more strategic, proactive, collaborative, innovative, and data-driven. They must be able to navigate the complex and dynamic healthcare landscape and develop plans that address the challenges and opportunities facing their organization. By adapting to these changes, strategic planners can effectively contribute to the success and sustainability of healthcare organizations.