Dear Dr. Mimi:
We are about to embark on a strategic planning process. Are there any particular types of people who should be included? We have too many people to include everyone, and yet I don’t want to leave out an important person. How do I begin to choose?
—Confused

Dear Confused:
We have found that a successful strategic team can best be compared to a sports team, where you gather people who assume key positions in a game. First and foremost, you need a facilitator or a coach. They can be helpful in determining what it will take for the plan to be successful. Your facilitator is a person who can be neutral but who has lots of experience developing strategic plans and helping groups come to decisions. If there is no one in your organization who can take on this role, consider hiring an outside person. You want to be sure to have a “dreamer” who is not stuck in “but we have always done it this way.” They may have wild and crazy ideas, but they really are good at getting people to “get out of the box.” Recruit an “explorer” to your team who will research what others in the field are doing and what has been done historically. Add a “realist” who can predict what problems may occur that could derail your plan. These people are often skeptics who question the feasibility of the ideas. Be sure to include a “champion” who will shepherd the plan once it is created. These people will make sure that the plan happens. They will keep it front and center. Ultimately, you will need “doers” who will take the ball and run with it and make the plan a reality. They don’t want to be in on the beginning stages, but like to be informed what the expectations are once the plan is implemented. By having a cross functional team, you will cover your bases, enlighten your blind spots and be able to create a more potent plan.
—Dr. Mimi