The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is preparing to develop a new strategic plan, to identify an immediate and future vision for the association. Before writing this plan, we must define ASA's purpose.

For this, we look to our mission statement which reads, in part, “ASA is dedicated to: enhancing through education the professionalism of automotive repair and service businesses; informing the motoring public of the quality nature of ASA member work; representing the industry in legislative matters; acting as the spokesperson for the industry.”

The American Society of Association Executives says an association's purpose should be “valid and versatile enough to last a century.” I believe our mission fulfills this standard and gives us a starting point in the strategic planning process.

Our first question in this process is: Where do we want to go? I envision the strategic planning process as being similar to planning a long vacation. We know our starting point, but we have to determine where we're going. What's our ultimate destination? Which sites between here and there should we visit and which should we bypass?

The second question is: When do we want to arrive? If we want to reach our destination quickly, we can fly. While flying gets us there quickly, it forces us to miss important intermediate sites that would add to the trip's overall success.

Let's agree, then, that ASA's strategic planning trip will be like a road trip. So, our next question is: Who's going to drive?

This is a long trip. Everyone - including you - will need to take a turn behind the wheel. From your own experiences, tell us what you know that will help ASA write an effective strategic plan.

Our final question is: How will the plan be implemented and by whom? Like driving, this is a shared responsibility. The journey does not begin and end with the plan. It's ongoing. The plan has to be flexible enough to adapt to industry, technological and societal changes.

Do you remember the movie, “Vacation,” starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswald? Clark and his family were taking their own journey. Clark identified a final destination, Wally World. They decided to travel by road, making several stops at points Clark deemed important.

Clark put together the plan and, once the trip started, was unwilling to adapt as situations demanded. The results are classic Hollywood comedy.

We don't want to mimic the Griswalds' folly. Yes, ASA is on a journey and we need a plan to make the journey successful. But, the plan should be the result of many minds working together. And, unlike Clark, we should build into the plan the ability to recognize and adapt to change.

The plan is only the beginning. It starts us down the road, tells us where we're going, and gives direction for our journey. But, it's what ASA does with the journey that matters.

If you don't know where you are going, no road will take you there.
- Author unknown.

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