You have a strong mission, a great team, and solid community support. You’re about to undergo a strategic planning process to determine how to take your organization to the next level. But you’re a bit nervous. Developing a plan is a journey that can profoundly impact your organization’s culture and people — and that’s not always fun. As this journey unfolds, it can reveal deep-seated assumptions and questions about your organization’s direction.

Midway through the planning process can be an especially challenging time, when you’ve developed a vision for the future, but still hesitate to let go of the past. We like to call this phase “the dark night of the soul.” It’s often marked by collective introspection and a feeling of uncertainty and loss. Although it may sound dreary, organizations often find great clarity and positive transformation on the other side.

Throughout this phase, it’s especially important for leaders to guide their teams with empathy and strategic actions:

• Let People Grieve: We all tend to resist change, even when we know the status quo isn’t working. Encourage dialogue, reflect on past achievements, and allow team members to express their concerns and hopes. It will help build trust and collective ownership.
• Focus on Actionable Steps: Break down broad changes into manageable daily tasks with team input. This makes the change process tangible and less daunting.
• Pace the Change: Introduce no more than three changes within a 90-day period to prevent overwhelm and allow for adjustment.
• Support and Celebrate: Strengthen support structures for people who are navigating uncertainty and recognize small victories to maintain morale and momentum.
• Reaffirm the Vision and Embrace Learning: Regularly revisit your organization’s overarching vision to keep the team aligned and motivated. Embrace continuous learning to adapt to new challenges and build resilience.

This phase offers an oportunity to develop a culture that thrives on collaboration, adaptability, and shared leadership. It can enhance your organization’s capacity to manage change.

Navigating through strategic planning’s “dark night of the soul” requires understanding, patience, and careful planning. With empathetic leadership and actionable strategies, your organization can emerge from this phase stronger, more united, and aligned.

This journey, while challenging, is an opportunity for growth, renewal, and transformation. Rest assured, there will be light ahead!

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