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Overcoming sticking points in strategy development: A conversation with Sini and Sam

Developing a strategy can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s unpredictable world. We sat down with NCVO’s strategy consultants, Sini and Sam, to talk about the common challenges organisations face and how consultancy can help overcome them.

Meet Sini and Sam

Sini Rinne-Kerridge and Sam Carey are NCVO’s expert strategy consultants, specialising in helping organisations navigate complex challenges and achieve meaningful impact.

Sini loves helping organisations untangle tricky challenges, find practical ways forward, and evaluate their impact.

Sam enjoys working with people to bring everyone onto the same page and create strategies that are impactful and achievable.

Tackling key obstacles in strategy development

What makes strategy development challenging for organisations today?

Sini: “The pace of change is relentless. Organisations are juggling economic uncertainty, shifting government policies, and technological advancements like artificial intelligence. Add resource constraints to the mix, and it’s easy to see why strategic planning can feel daunting. It’s no longer just about setting long-term goals but about creating a flexible framework that adapts to these external pressures.”

Sam: “Another challenge is internal alignment. Bringing together trustees, staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries often means navigating conflicting priorities. Organisations need strategies that build a common story, helping people to see how their role contributes to the wider vision or purpose and inspiring action.”

When is it a good idea to bring in an external consultant?

Sini: “When organisations feel stuck or stretched too thin to focus on strategy. Consultants provide fresh perspectives, practical tools like horizon scanning, and expertise to help clarify priorities and identify opportunities.”

Sam: “It’s also helpful when there’s a need for objectivity. Consultants can mediate stakeholder discussions, helping synthesise diverse perspectives into a coherent plan. By freeing up internal resources, we ensure your team can focus on what they do best.”

Common sticking points in strategy development

What are the most common sticking points?

Sini: “Uncertainty is a big one. Navigating volatile operating landscapes – whether due to economic shocks, technological advances, or shifting policies – is tough. Strategies today need to be adaptable without losing focus.”

Sam: “Resource constraints are another issue. Many organisations lack the time or capacity to collect and interpret the data they need to inform decisions. Even when a strategy is in place, execution can falter without a clear plan and ongoing momentum.”

How do consultants help address these challenges?

Sini: “We act as facilitators. For instance, we run listening exercises to help align stakeholders and uncover shared priorities. Having an impartial consultant mediate these discussions often makes it easier to find common ground.”

Sam: “And we ensure strategies lead to action. We provide frameworks for accountability, set up regular progress reviews, and share insights from similar organisations. It’s about making sure your strategy doesn’t just look good on paper but drives real impact.”

Making an impact with strategy support

Can you share an example of a successful consultancy partnership?

Sini: “We worked with a national environmental charity to align stakeholders around a challenging strategy. By facilitating creative and engaging workshops then synthesising perspectives, we helped them create a clear and actionable plan. Seeing their team engage with the strategy and drive it forward was incredibly rewarding.”

Sam: “Even smaller charities can benefit from consultancy. For organisations with limited capacity, a few targeted sessions can make a big difference. We’ve helped teams prioritise effectively, giving them the confidence to move forward.”

Top tips for organisations embarking on strategy development

Sini’s tip

“Be clear about your purpose and priorities from the start. Without that clarity, it’s easy to get lost in the details.”

Sam’s tip

“Don’t underestimate execution. A brilliant strategy won’t deliver results if it’s not translated into action. Building accountability mechanisms and scheduling regular reviews will help ensure progress and avoid mission creep.”

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