Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times
by Sonja Bochart, IIDA, LEED AP, LEED AP BD&C, WELL AP, LFA and Annelise Pitts, AIA, LFA
In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, strategic planning may feel useless. How can you chart a course when the landscape is constantly changing?
But that uncertainty is what makes strategic planning essential. A strong plan doesn’t promise control over the unknown, but it does guide teams through complex, shifting circumstances. At Lens, we help mission-driven organizations move beyond traditional, rigid planning models and into a regenerative approach to strategy.
Find your way in uncertainty: download the full white paper.
What is a good strategic plan?
Your plan needs to go beyond check boxes or list initiatives. It should help an organization reach its potential. Through our work, we’ve seen that successful plans in uncertain times are:
- Rooted in Essence
- Memorable
- Inspiring
- Actionable
- Forward-Looking
Let’s explore each…
Rooted in Essence: A Vision True to Who You Are
Successful strategic plans grow from the very core of an organization—its essence. This is more than mission, vision, and values; it’s the distinctive DNA that defines who you are, what you stand for, and what potential you hold. When a plan is rooted in essence, it feels authentic and full of possibility. It doesn’t just describe what you do—it reflects why you exist and what you’re capable of becoming.
Memorable: Simplicity That Guides Action
Too often, strategic plans are long, jargon-heavy, and forgotten soon after they’re approved. Memorable plans are clear, coherent, and easy to reference—because they’re designed to be used.
Inspiring: A Vision People Want to Build
Inspiring plans aren’t built behind closed doors. They emerge from participatory processes that reflect diverse voices and shared values. When people are part of shaping the plan, they’re more committed to making it a reality.
Actionable: Guiding Real-World Change
Ultimately, strategic plans are only as successful as the action they inspire. A good plan should guide individuals across an organization to take action to support collective movement toward a desired future state. This doesn’t mean that the plan should spell out every step that’s taken. Rather, it should act as a north star, empowering individuals to navigate forward together.
Forward-Looking: Regenerating Capacity, Not Just Solving Problems
Too often, strategic planning is framed as problem-solving: fix what’s broken, close the gaps, hit the metrics. But at Lens, we work with organizations to move beyond a “do-good” paradigm toward one that is regenerative—growing the capacity of people, systems, and communities over time.
Planning as a Regenerative Practice
In uncertain times, strategic planning is a lifeline. At Lens, we don’t deliver static plans. We co-create living strategies that help purpose-driven organizations stay focused and inspired. By integrating systems thinking, collaborative design, and actionable frameworks, we help you grow your capacity—not just your to-do list.
Sonja Bochart, IIDA, LEED AP, LEED AP BD&C, WELL AP, LFA
Director
Sonja leads Lens using regenerative, living-systems strategies to advance well-being, place, and community, driving meaningful impact and transformative change for people, projects, and organizations.
Annelise Pitts, AIA, LFA
Senior Architect, Associate
Annelise is a passionate designer, researcher, and advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the built environment.