Introduction

When strategic planning is done right, it is an indispensable management tool. Done poorly, it can be a waste of time or worse. So, what does it take to do strategic planning right?

There is no single, correct way to do strategic planning. Each client who calls us has their own unique situation and unique needs. We will help you articulate your needs and to then show you the tools and techniques that will help you get the results you want in a manner that will work for you and your team.

A business strategy is far more likely to be successfully implemented if the leaders and managers of the business team develop the plan themselves, rather than using an external strategy consultant. Your team members know far more about your business and your industry than any outsider ever will. More importantly, people always perform best when their strategy, goals and behaviors come from within.

Developing a team-based strategy is a structured process consisting of 5 elements:

·         Creating a Vision

·         Conducting an Environmental Overview

·         Completing a SWOT Analysis

·         Setting Goals and Objectives

·         Action Planning

Creating a Vision

What is a “good” vision? A good vision is detailed description of what success looks like. It is not a slogan or a motivational tool; it is how you and your team describe what could be.

Creating a vision involves asking some simple, but important questions

·         What is the business model (value proposition) today and what is the business model of the future?

·         Is the organization properly organized (ownership, management, people, systems, policies) to deliver this value?

·         Is the organization executing effectively (costs, services)?

·         How can the organization’s performance be improved?

The Environmental Overview

Your strategy does not exist in a vacuum. Instead, it exists in a changing world. If your team does not agree on the significance of the major trends affecting your organization, then how can they agree on the strategy to address these trends?

Doing a SWOT Analysis

The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis is a classic strategic planning tool. Often, this process is conducted without rigor or priority setting. We use a unique approach to each element of the SWOT analysis.

Setting Goals and Objectives

The right goals are in line with our values and purpose.  The right goals inspire us. Our confidence is high that we can achieve them - with hard work - and we know that when we do, it will be rewarding.

Action Planning

Action Planning is where the rubber meets the road. With a well thought out action plan it is clear who is going to do what by when in order to get you where you want to go. Many strategic planning sessions produce action plans that are unclear, or worse, no action plans at all.