Among the distinguished speakers visiting JSET, Dr. Steven Safier captured all with his presentation. This past Monday, JSET, joined by BLIT (Business Leaders in Training) was honored with having this prestigious speaker. Holding a doctorate in psychology, Dr. Safier currently works as Senior VP and CAO of SUBWAY Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT)

Dr. Safier began by presenting background about himself and his current position. He then divided fellows into several groups, each charged with producing a business plan for the presented case study. The groups brainstormed about the problem, designing a strategic approach while answering and encompassing all the required fields.

After the groups presented their plans to the general audience, Dr. Safier gave collective constructive criticism, correcting the groups’ approaches and focusing on skills for strategic planning. In order to most efficiently and effectively solve a problem, Dr. Safier suggested approaching the situation in the following way:

          1. Understand the Problem.

Often in business, and in life, one does not hold nearly enough information to make a definitive decision. One can only construct a solution with the given information, taking the best possible action. In business, it is crucial to understand the customer. In non-profits, the customer is often both the recipient of the services and those who fund the organization—a twofold customer front. What does the donor want accomplished with his/her donation? How do the recipients want to benefit, what services do they need?

It is also important to understand the non-profit organization itself—its strengths and successes, weaknesses and difficulties. Also, it is necessary to understand the resources of the organization in order to determine the extent of what the organization can do.

          2. Plan

Create a clear and strategic approach to solving the problem. See more about that in other of JSET’s resources.

          3. Execute

Carry out the plan.

          4. Measure

Asses the effectiveness of the plan. Was the goal achieved? Were resources used efficiently and correctly? Talk to the customers—donors and recipients. Were they satisfied? To measure non-concrete products, such as providing a service, talk to analysts or make a customer survey. Then if some areas are still lacking, make the adjustments, re-plan, and execute again.

As the session concluded, the JSET fellows felt empowered having learned another clear method towards strategic planning. The climax of the presentation: not only learning the tools from such a distinguished and experienced leader, but having come to those same tools by hands on learning and growing from mistakes.

Contributed by Rita Carla Bron, JSET Fellow '08-'09