Aligning Strategy and Action with Positive Creativity
This blog post spotlights a breakthrough strategic planning process that brought exceptional results for Community Health Centers (CHC) in Burlington, Vermont. Using Positive Creativity, a blend of Appreciative Inquiry and the Science of Creativity, this collaborative approach created one of the most actionable, engaging, and impactful strategic plans in over 25 years.
CHC-Burlington’s three-year strategic plan was co-created in just four months, bringing together over 150 participants, including employees, board members, and community partners.
The Outcomes?
Every stakeholder now shares a clear roadmap for the future.
Every strategy is meticulously crafted to prioritize achievable and significant outcomes, embedding a results-oriented mindset within the planning process.
What Worked?
Positive Creativity allowed for a shift from “problem-centric” thinking to actionable, solution-focused results.
The CHC Plan was actionable because it empowered diverse teams, facilitated collaboration, and addressed the dynamic challenges within the healthcare industry.
“In prior processes, the conversation was still in the past, and the number of problems seemed overwhelming. This process helped shift our mindset from a lot of problems, to a focus on how to fix the problems, to an emphasis on how do we get into the future that we want.” Sam Arnold, COO of CHC
Could your organization benefit from collaborative, actionable strategies?
Engagement: Engaging Perspectives to Shape the Future
This process wasn’t confined to leadership; it engaged perspectives across every level of the organization. Employees, partners, and the board came together to uncover opportunities and align visions.
Three stand-out elements of engagement included:
Encouraging open collaboration and a shared sense of purpose broke down silos, inviting employees to commit to the plan’s success.
We transitioned from a traditional, board-led process to one led by a diverse core team that included existing and emerging leaders.
Seeking insights from 14 community partners that enriched the process with external perspectives.
This inclusive environment empowered stakeholders and strengthened trust across the organization.
“I appreciate that we are all in the habit of coming back often and asking ourselves, we’ve made these statements and philosophical commitments – are we living them today?” Jeffrey McKee, CEO.
Impactful: Solutions for Real-World Challenges
Healthcare organizations face immense challenges, including rising costs, diverse patient needs, and evolving regulations. CHC’s innovative plan tackled these challenges with real-world solutions, addressing national shifts in healthcare, such as value-based payments and team-based care.
What’s even more impressive?
The strategy has already started producing immediate results, including increased efficiency and seamless implementation—a process driven by alignment and clarity.
Jeffrey McKee, CEO of CHC-Burlington, best summarized the situation: “This has been one of the most successful and comprehensive plans I’ve seen in 25 years.”
Venn diagram illustrating 'Positive Creativity Results' at the intersection of three key concepts: Appreciative Inquiry, Creativity, and Strategic Planning Best Practices."
Positive Creativity: Shaping the Future with Intention
The method behind CHC-Burlington’s success lies in Positive Creativity, an innovative framework combining the strength-based principles of Appreciative Inquiry with the adaptability of the Science of Creativity.
Here is why Positive Creativity matters:
Shift the Mindset: Focus became about how to create the desired future rather than dwelling on problems.
Build Relationships: Trust was created at all levels, leading to better collaboration during the implementation phase.
Make Every Voice Count: The process ensured the entire organization felt ownership of the plan, increasing buy-in and enthusiasm.
Positive Creativity is a transformational approach that rewires the way organizations think, plan, and act. Implementing this co-creative process yielded transformational results, proving that innovation and collaboration go hand in hand.
Would You Like to Learn More?
Curious about how Positive Creativity can transform your organizational strategies? Read the full AI Practitioner journal article for a detailed breakdown of the CHC-Burlington case study and learn how to apply these innovative processes in your own organization.
📖 Download and Read the Full Article
Or contact me to explore how we can help your organization align strategy with action.
Together, we can build strategies that inspire, engage, and deliver meaningful results.