Deep Dive Case Study (CADA Project)
What does it actually take to build a strategic plan that survives first contact with reality?
Last year, I had the privilege of guiding the Council of the College of Alberta Dental Assistants (CADA) through a nine-month strategic planning process. We didn’t want a document that would gather dust on a shelf. We wanted a roadmap for action.
The Process: Breaking the Mould. We realized early on that a standard boardroom approach wouldn’t cut it. To secure real buy-in, we had to innovate:
- Stakeholder-Led Discovery: We moved beyond the executive suite, engaging directly with the people on the ground—the professionals who live the industry’s reality every day.
- Gamified Strategy: To break through “planning fatigue,” we held a gamified retreat. This wasn’t just about fun; it was about disarming participants to spark genuine creativity and honest debate.
- Agile Frameworks: We built a risk-based framework that provides flexibility while keeping the 10-year vision in clear view.
The Result. In September 2025, the CADA Council officially adopted a bold new Strategic Plan. It wasn’t just approved; it was owned by those who built it. For a full breakdown of the lessons learned throughout this process, read my deep dive: The Birth of a Strategic Plan: A Nine-Month Journey.
Takeaway. Real strategy requires real engagement. It’s messy, iterative, and necessary. If you skip the “messy” parts, you end up with a “Silence Tax”—a concept I explore in Dismantling Hidden Taxes on Leadership, where unresolved issues cost you money and talent.
Call to Action: Ready to build a strategic plan that works? Contact The PARATUS Group to schedule a consultation.
