The GPC's rapid growth has been a dramatic and positive experience for the party. However, rapid growth always brings its own set of problems. Probably none is more evident than the stress that has been put on the party's ability to do strategic planning. It has been very difficult to effectively consult with stakeholders in order to identify and prioritize the work that needs to be done, set realistic goals and a budget to complete that work, and oversee and make the necessary corrections when things don't proceed as planned.

This work is difficult almost to the point of being overwhelming. Every stakeholder (councillors, EDAs, staff, provinces, working groups, members) has their ideas about what we should be doing, and how we should spend our money. When things don't get done in the way they'd like them to get done they start having concerns, and the party can enter a cycle where the issues being addressed are the ones being raised by our most vocal stakeholders. And, unfortunately, these issues may not be the ones that should be the highest priority.

The first thing that can be done to fix this problem is to establish a well-understood process where stakeholders are consulted and understand when they can provide input into that process. I've set out some ideas about how to do this in the strategic planning section of my GPC roadmap essay.

The second thing that can be done is for council to publish a list of measurable objectives that the party hopes to achieve for a given time period. That way, we can (a) measure whether or not we are actually getting things done, and (b) we can clearly explain to stakeholders who want resources and attention directed to their projects about what work we are currently focused on. In the past, our staff has created such a list for their work, but there are issues facing the party that are broader than those facing staff alone. I've published such a broader list here but these are primarily my own ideas and priorities. Council needs to work on their own list as a group and present it in a more digestible way.

This is one of a series of articles examining how to fix key problems facing the GPC.