Alignment Step 2: Actions You Can Take NOW to Increase Your Value in the Workplace

These simple action items will help you put to work the valuable findings of SLA’s Alignment Project. 

Here is your second action item:

2.  Compare Strategies

Start by obtaining a copy of your organization’s latest strategic plan.  Don’t settle for whatever is posted on your Web site; ask the appropriate office, department or executive if it is up to date or under revision.

If the plan has changed, ascertain exactly how.  Have priorities been added or taken away?  Has the focus shifted? Think through and make notes about how those changes might affect your own priorities. For example, if your organization is dropping a product line or graduate program, what changes could you make to your portfolio of subscriptions, vendors, etc., as a result?  Should your knowledge management strategy be adjusted? Be sure to keep notes on the cost implications of these changes.

Now compare your organization’s strategic plan with that of your library or information center.  (If you do not have your own strategic plan, this is where to start.)  Are there disconnects? Does your strategy do the best possible job in supporting your organization’s priorities?  What can you do now to change that?  What could you do with additional resources?  Can you reallocate resources, either human or capital, to accomplish this?

With the information you have gained from these activities, draft a list of tactical measures you can take to better support your organization’s strategic plan.  Link each item with the strategic goal it supports.  Submit your list to your management and other stakeholders, seeking input on how well your tactics will support your organization’s strategic goals and suggestions for additional ways you can provide strategic support.

Comments

[Mary Lane]

I like Step 2, thank you. But I am curious to know what or where is Step 1?

[Maura Kennedy]

Here is Step 1:
http://slablogger.typepad.com/sla_blog/2009/10/align-in-09-step-1-action-you-can-take-now-to-increase-your-value-in-the-workplace-.html