The strategic planning process

Yesterday’s way vs. today’s way.

Strategic planning must keep pace with today’s fast-changing environment. Click each box below to learn more about how these 5 key drivers have changed.

Static annual planning process

A dynamic living document

Dynamic strategic plans are flexible and adaptable to ever-changing conditions; they are not stand-alone annual projects, but one step in a strategy journey. As a “living document” dynamic plans are regularly reviewed and refreshed in response to new realities.

Shopping list of hopes and dreams

S.M.A.R.T. Goals and objectives

S.M.A.R.T. objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, relevant and time-bound – watch words to avoid a wish list and to ensure alignment between clearly defined strategies, attainable goals, and implementation.

Complex planning process

Chart what matters most

A streamlined strategic planning structure – particularly one that provides a visual framework – organizes thinking, improves clarity, illustrates alignment, and aids decision making about where to focus resources, time and energy.

Focus on concept

Focus on concept and execution

Strategy formulation and strategy implementation are two sides of the same coin. Strategy is “The What” while execution is “The How”. Setting conditions for successful execution is critical to the success of a strategic plan.

Limited participation

Organization-wide engagement

Well-orchestrated opportunities for debate and discussion up, down and across the organization bring rigor to the strategic planning process. Broad engagement helps to foster a shared vision, improve the likelihood of buy-in, and align strategic direction.