The right way to create your strategic plan
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Ah, strategic planning. Just the phrase might bring up images of stuffy boardrooms, long meetings, and PowerPoint slides with words that stretch on for days. But before you reach for that second (or third) cup of coffee, let’s break it down.
What is Strategic Planning?
At its core, strategic planning is simply about setting a direction for your organization or business then figuring out how to get there. Think of it like planning a road trip. You know your destination; now, you need to figure out the route, the stops along the way, and maybe even who’s going to DJ the playlist.
It’s the process of defining goals, identifying resources, and creating an action plan to achieve. In other words, it’s your game plan – a chance to make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction; no one likes a circular boat ride.
The process usually involves evaluating where you are now (your starting point) and where you want to be in the future (your ultimate goal). It requires setting objectives and actions that will help you bridge that gap. It is not a one-size-fits all situation; it is a tailored approach to fit the unique needs and goals of your organization.
Why is Strategic Planning Important?
You might be thinking, “Do I really need a strategic plan?” Spoiler alert: yes, you do! The world is changing fast. Without a solid plan your organization risks getting left behind. Imagine if you set out on a journey without a map, GPS, or any sense of direction. Chances are you’d end up lost or somewhere you didn’t want to be. The same goes for organizations.
A strategic plan acts as your compass, helping you stay on track even when things get a little chaotic. And let’s face it, they always do! Planning can help you:
- Set priorities: It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. A strategic plan keeps you focused on what really matters, so you don’t end up putting out fires all year long.
- Allocate resources: Knowing where you’re headed allows you to budget time, money, and people effectively. And no, cloning your star employee isn’t an option… yet!
- Measure success: With clear goals and metrics in place, you’ll be able to track progress and celebrate victories (big AND small) along the way.
- Align your team: When everyone knows the plan, they know their role in making it happen. It’s like giving everyone in a band the same sheet music – now you can play a symphony instead of chaotic noise.
Who should be involved?
Strategic planning isn’t just for the top executives. Sure, your senior leadership team will take the reins, but it is a team effort. The more diverse perspectives you bring in, the better. Here is a suggested rundown of who should be involved:
- Senior leadership: The visionaries who set the direction and goals.
- Middle management: the bridge between strategy and execution. These folx ensure the plan is feasible and their teams are on board.
- Team members: Don’t overlook insights from the people on the ground. They often know more about the challenges and opportunities than everyone else.
- External stakeholders: This could be clients, customers, partners or even community members. Their feedback can provide a fresh perspective and help you stay relevant.
First steps to kick off strategic planning
So, you are ready to jump into planning, what now? Here’s a step-by-step approach to get you started:
- Assess where you are: Before you plan your course, take a good, hard look at your organization’s current state. What is working? What needs improvement? Gather data, seek information and feedback, analyze the market trends. This of this as your “annual checkup” but for your business. Be critical of what is working and what is not.
- Define your vision and goals: What do you want to achieve in the upcoming year and beyond? Your vision should be ambitious yet attainable. Break it down into specific, time-bound goals that align with your mission.
- Involve your team early on: Don’t let the planning process be a mystery – engage your team from the start. Host workshops, brainstorming sessions, or even a “visionary retreat” if your budget allows. Getting buy-in early on ensures that everyone’s committed to making the plan succeed.
- Create your action plan: Once your goals are clear, it is time to map out the actions needed to achieve them. Assign responsibilities and set deadlines. Be realistic about your resources and anticipate potential roadblocks. Remember, a plan that lives in a dusty binder on a shelf is no plan at all. Make it easily available, accessible, and actionable.
- Establish metrics and track progress: Determine how you will measure success. This could be sales numbers, client satisfaction or employee engagement scores. Set up regular check-ins, quarterly meetings, or monthly reports, to monitor progress. This allows you to adjust as needed, but it also gives you more chances to celebrate progress and wins; a huge component to planning!
Pro tips for planning success
Be sure to stay flexible; your plan isn’t set in stone. If something isn’t working be ready to pivot. You will want to communicate, communicate, communicate your plan. You should spare widely to ensure everyone understands the what and the why. They are more likely to rally behind a cause when they feel included and understand the impact of their work on the organizational goals. This is not only about the end goals, but the milestones too. Recognize small wins along the way to keep morale high and remind everyone that progress is being made.
Strategic planning is all about positioning your organization for a future filled with growth, success, and impact. It might seem daunting at first, but by taking it step-by-step, involving your team and keeping things flexible you’ll be well on your way to building a roadmap that leads to success.
What are you waiting for? Dust off that flip chart, gather your team, and start mapping out your journey. Every great adventure starts with a solid plan – plus, maybe a few snacks along the way!
Kourtney McCauliff is the Director of Consulting Services at Purple Ink (www.purpleinkllc.com). She loves to cultivate cohesive teams and develop strong leaders to lead them.