The 6 steps to strategic planning
If you ever belonged to and / or were involved with any organization, probably, at one time or another, you wondered – about / questioned, why certain actions were taken or neglected! After more than four decades of involvement, in almost every aspect of leadership, from identifying and qualifying, to training, developing and consulting thousands of actual and / or potential leaders, I have come to believe that one of the main reasons, We are witnessing, these days, a shortage of true leadership, that is, the lack of professionally designed and implemented leadership training programs, and, too – too little, real strategic planning, done right! With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss the 6 essential steps to strategic planning and why this is important.
1. History / heritage: How can one proceed, in a meaningful and relevant way, unless the process begins with a thorough understanding and appreciation of the particular group’s history and legacy, and, why / if, it might be significant, for this group? particular organization? Do group stakeholders feel that these factors are irreplaceable and essential to be maintained and included?
2. Strengths and weaknesses: Each group has certain strengths, as well as weaknesses, and it is prudent to leverage the former effectively, while addressing areas of weakness, effectively and in a relevant and sustainable way. The goal should be to make the organization stronger, better, and more relevant!
3. Mission status: Most organizations should have, and many do have, Mission Statements, as a component of their vision, and their reasons for being. Unfortunately, too often they are never considered by groups, after their original formation, and, in order to have the greatest impact, they must be reviewed, adjusted (as needed) and / or revised, to maintain organization level. relevance and sustainability!
Four. Vision: One of the essential components of strategic planning must be to identify and clearly establish the vital and vibrant vision (or the reason for its existence)! This must be, not simply, the same – old, same – old, but, rather, looking forward to the future, ensuring the potential to be, the best that can be!
5. Risks / Rewards / Needs / Options: Proceed, with an open mind, and consider viable options and alternatives, to determine which one makes the most sense in the future. Strategies should consider risks, versus rewards, and identify which ones could best address the group’s needs and priorities, in the immediate, intermediate, and longer term.
6. Putting it all together: Every Strategic Plan must state a summary, where the main points are put together, and a clear strategy, to ensure the brightest future, and the strongest possible group, and the reasoning, is included in depth.
A Strategic Plan is only meaningful if it addresses the big picture, comprehensively and in a relevant and sustainable way, focused on the best approach, to help the organization experience consistent, quality growth and an inspiring reason. , for people, wanting to belong! Are you willing to be a meaningful leader?