The development of SFO’s Strategic Plan has been an extraordinary journey to chart the course for the next five years. The process began with the Senior Leadership team, who set the blueprint for an inclusive and collaborative endeavor. Guided by our core values, we engaged staff at every level of the organization to create a plan that will propel SFO forward with a shared mission and vision.
To achieve this, team members from every section and level of the organization took part in developing the plan. The first significant step was holding focus groups to vet newly drafted mission and vision statements. Thought leaders from existing SFO groups, including the Racial Equity Committee, Employee Resource Groups, and Reaching for Number 1 Working Groups supplied candid feedback. Their instrumental insights helped fine-tune the mission and vision statements in a way that resonates with the entire SFO community.
In parallel, working groups were formed, each led by members of the Senior Leadership team, to more fully define the strategic plan goals. These groups reflected the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives present within SFO. Staff members volunteered their expertise to develop the strategic goal that aligned with their interests, resulting in over 100 engaged participants.
Throughout the process, the working groups developed objectives, initiatives, and key performance indicators for their respective goals. This inclusive approach not only ensured the delivery of a comprehensive plan, but also fostered a sense of ownership among staff members, sparking a shared commitment to the plan’s future successes.
The strategic planning process reached a momentous milestone with SFO’s first-ever multilingual town halls. Recognizing the importance of making these events accessible for all staff, we held one during the day and a second at night to accommodate different shifts. The town halls provided a welcoming forum for all staff to bring their ideas to life while engaging directly with the new mission and vision statements.
To further enhance inclusivity, the event offered simultaneous interpretation services in Cantonese, Spanish, and Filipino, languages commonly spoken by SFO staff. Small, in-language break-out groups enabled deeper discussions, breaking down language barriers that might otherwise impede meaningful participation.
The town hall offered a glimpse into ways we already inspire the extraordinary; during the day shift, 28% of all staff participated in the town hall, and during the night shift, 14% of all staff took part. While welcoming diverse perspectives, the multilingual format reinforced the commitment to a plan that truly represents SFO.
“How We Got Here” is a testament to the power of collaboration and inclusivity. SFO is stronger than ever, united by a shared mission and vision and determined to realize our collective goals.
