Building a pillar of support for Pacific Islanders in Hawaii is likened to the art of building a canoe house in the outer islands of Chuuk and Yap. There is no short cut other than to work each step carefully and patiently.
Long before the building starts, estimates are made of the length of coconut fiber ropes to be handwoven by each men in the clan. That process starts months in advance because the coconuts have to selected, husked, and the fiber soaked in water for months to isolate the strands before each robe is handwoven. Every clan, every man on the island contributes to building the meeting house. In your organization, is everyone contributing to the building of your mission, plans, and well-being? Are staff members given the resources and time to complete their tasks and responsibilities? What kind of strategic planning occurs at your school?
The strength of the meeting / canoe house depends on the proper selection of each part of the structure. At the foundation are the four pillars which are selected from the most mature trees on the island. They are the strongest single parts of the building for they must equally share the weight of the entire structure. In your organization, who or what are the four pillars upon which the entire organization depend? If students are likened to the entire meeting house, then what are the pillars upon which those students are resting?
We believe that it’s crucial for organizations to plan their work and work their plan. PLAN consultants can become a partner in your strategic planning process.