Like many organizations, Lafayette College tended to operate in functional silos. As the Alumni Association began the task of creating its five year Long Range Plan, it was faced with the challenge of either focusing on improving itself for its own sake, or specifically tying what it would do to the College’s success. It was decided that the intent of the plan would be responsive to the College’s goal and strategic initiatives, to align the Alumni Association’s mission and activities with those of the College and to integrate the “Lafayette Experience” into the lives of their alumni.

The TOC process for planning broke down silos through the cross-organizational participation in analyzing what to change, creating what to change to and how to cause the change. As a result, the planning process and alumni organization gained new respect, access and participation to ensure its success. The issues the Association faced and the buy-in route are applicable to many other organizations.