A disciplined approach to strategic execution can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. The 90-day strategic sprint, guided by the cycle of “Finish. Start. Research.,” offers a proven method to balance short-term wins with long-term vision. Coupled with the insights of the 10XCU strategic planning system, this framework enables credit unions to execute their strategic plans with precision and agility while preparing for future opportunities.
The “Finish. Start. Research.” framework structures each 90-day sprint into three clear phases: completing current initiatives, launching new actions, and investigating future opportunities.
1. Finish: Execute with Precision and Accountability
In the “Finish” phase, credit unions close the loop on high-priority projects that align with their strategic objectives. Using KPI-driven insights, leaders can identify which initiatives contribute most to measurable success, such as completing the rollout of a new digital loan product that prioritizes member convenience and profitability. “The key to our strategic success has been finishing prioritized initiatives before moving on,” shared an Oregon CEO. “The adage of ‘Your level of discipline will determine your level of success’ is true. We see this firsthand as we finish first to prepare for the future.”
Key questions for leaders in this phase include:
- What outcomes must we deliver to meet our quarterly objectives?
- Are we tracking KPIs that correlate with meaningful growth?
This phase helps confirm that decisions are data-driven, creates accountability by regularly reviewing progress with the Board and Management, measures progress using KPIs, and ensures that no single metric dominates the focus.
2. Start: Launch High-Impact Initiatives
The “Start” phase focuses on initiating new initiatives that build on completed work. The emphasis is on action plans that ensure these efforts are grounded in strategic thinking. An example might be leveraging insights from peer comparisons to develop targeted member acquisition campaigns that emphasize competitive value. “In no way do we consider our peers’ results the ultimate judge of our outcomes”, explained an Oklahoma CEO. “But, we learn from their successes and approaches, and find ways to tailor our tactics from good ideas.”
In this phase, key questions for leaders include:
- What is the most strategic next step for our credit union?
- What new initiatives should we start to maintain momentum?
- How do these actions align with long-term goals?
Best practices during this phase include a focus on strategic alignment to validate initiatives align with a roadmap for balanced growth in service, profits, and membership. Pilot programs should launch small-scale implementations for new projects, using member feedback to refine the approach.
3. Research: Explore Future Opportunities
The “Research” phase embraces forward-looking exploration, helping credit unions stay ahead of industry trends. Drawing on exhaustive data analysis, leaders can pinpoint emerging opportunities that complement their strategic focus, such as investigating the feasibility of launching real-time payment systems, guided by insights on market and member trends.
Leaders should ask:
- What are the emerging trends that could reshape our strategies?
- What long-term opportunities must we research to stay ahead?
- How can we identify future areas of focus?
The focus should be on innovation, with emphasis on organizational agility and competitive value to drive research efforts. In addition, conducting surveys and focus groups to validate potential projects will maintain alignment with member needs.
For CEOs, executives, and directors, 90-day strategic sprints offer a practical and proven path to executing strategy effectively while preparing for the future. By closing the loop on key initiatives, launching impactful actions, and exploring new opportunities—all informed by data and expertise—credit unions can achieve balanced growth and exceptional member value.
Real-world benefits of the “Finish. Start. Research.” framework include: Faster execution through completing and launching initiatives in 90-day cycles; Strategic clarity since balanced KPIs provide a clear lens to evaluate performance and opportunities; and, Sustainable growth based on research-driven exploration which ensures that today’s successes lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s innovations.
© 2025 by Jeff Rendel. All rights reserved.
Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional and President of Rising Above Enterprises, works with credit unions that want entrepreneurial results in leadership, service, and strategy. Each year, he addresses and facilitates for more than 100 credit unions and their business partners.
Contact: jeff@jeffrendel.com; www.jeffrendel.com; 951.310.7275 (mobile).