An Example of a Clear Workforce Strategy

Every once in a while we come across a strategic plan that is exemplary in its clarity and detail. Here's one of the best ways to determine whether a strategy makes any sense: Look for an action plan.

If the strategy does not clearly outline "next steps", then -- chances are -- the strategy is more a statement of good intentions; or, worse still, a laundry list of wonderful wishes. (I once read a "strategic plan" with 127 different initiatives.)

Strategy is about defining a practical path to transformational goals. Strategy entails making choices and continuously adjusting to new realities. A clear action plan represents an predictor of a sound strategy; it provides a framework for making adjustments and moving forward by setting progress marks.

In economic and, especially, workforce development good strategy documents are relatively hard to find. (Interestingly, we find better local strategy documents in the UK, as opposed to the US.)

Here's a good example of a strategy document in workforce development. Prepared by SRI International, the report examines workforce issues in a region in Southwest Virginia. You can read more about the strategy here. You can download a copy of the strategy here.