“Doing Stuff” is NOT a Strategic Plan

Neither is ‘Doing the Wrong Things More Efficiently’

What is a Strategic Plan?

A strategic plan is simply a plan to reach an objective, the way you are going to get to a destination. It should clearly define ...

• Where you are going (Vision),
• Who is making the trip (Team),
• What path will take you there (Mission or Strategy Statement),
• How to deal with problems along the way (Issue Resolution), and
• How will you measure your progress (Goals).

Who should create the plan?

The strategic plan should be created by the people who …

• Understand the objective,
• Know the business,
• Are aware of the constraints, and
• Have accountability for the success of the plan.

The plan is best created by the group charged with its execution.

How can a group of people arrive at a single plan ... quickly?

• Our process utilizes a visual metaphor enabling group conceptual work. It helps people communicate ideas and quickly come to consensus.
• Predefined exercises help people quickly verbalize their ideas and develop a plan that reflects their shared expertise.
• Expert facilitation provides flexibility while keeping the group on track and moving forward.
• The entire process facilitates plan development, reporting, and communication.

Advantages of the Strategic Planning Process

• Speed. A structured process the work of each individual adds to the progress of the group, allowing you to complete the the project in far less time than it would otherwise take.
• Quality. Having several people watching the plan build, each looking at it from their own unique perspective, helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Buy-in. When the people who have to execute the plan are the ones who built it, the level of commitment skyrockets.
• Strengthens the group. The process helps each person understand everyone else's role, and gives a new appreciation for other members of the group.