Using Stories in Planning and Projects
For mission-driven organizations, stories from our users and stakeholders can be powerful testaments to the impacts we are making and the value we bring to our communities. We may be used to sharing user stories in our marketing and fundraising efforts, but they can also be used in planning and projects.
For strategic planning, user stories can be an engaging way to gather input and feedback from our stakeholders during our planning process. We might gather individual stories for planning:
From board members or trustees about their vision or desired strategic direction for the organization.
From partners about opportunities to continue or expand services.
From donors about the impact that they’d like to see the organization make.
From staff about strategic objectives or ideas for future projects or programs.
From users or clients with feedback on existing or needed services or programs.
For projects, user stories can be an important element in creating or building deliverables that can be successfully implemented (things that our communities and teams will actually want to use!). We might gather individual stories for projects:
From prospective users to understand the challenges or pain points we hope our deliverable will address.
From prospective users about needed or desired features or elements to be included in a deliverable.
From prospective users to get feedback on a deliverable plan or prototype.
From users of a demo or prototype deliverable to understand their user experience.
Gathering stories is a great way to get meaningful input into our planning and projects!
For more on the importance of stories to projects and planning, view our Engaging with Stories microtraining.
Want more ideas for leading better projects and planning? Stay connected.
