7 Steps to Developing a Successful Strategic Plan

Yesterday a client of mine asked me what I thoughtNow that you've answered why your organization
was the best way to execute a strategic plan andexists, what it does and what it hopes to achieve, you
apply performance metrics to ensure success of theare ready to assess your past and current state and
plan. This is a two part question which will bebegin identifying your future state. This activity is most
answered in two entries. Today, I'm going to discusseffective when key personnel throughout the entire
the best way to execute your business strategy, andorganization are involved. Outreach to employees can
tomorrow I'll get into how to integrate the performancebe achieved through town hall meetings, focal groups,
plan into your strategy to ensure performancesurveys, emails, etc. Review services and
success.performance against the mission and vision. At this
A performance initiative cannot succeed unlesspoint your organization may not have the proper data
executives have defined the organizational goals.or tools to quantifiably measure this. That's ok, as
Organizational goals must be defined and a strategicqualitative analysis can provide you with a high level
plan must address how these goals are going to bebaseline assessment. Perform a SWOT Analysis;
achieved in order for a performance initiative to bewhich is a look at the internal Strengths and
successful. There is no compromising here.Weaknesses, and the external Opportunities and
Performance management depends on organizationalThreats of your organization, for your current and
goals being distributed and measured throughout thefuture state.
entire organization, originating from the executive board4. Agree on priorities
and communicated all the way down the line. Today'sNow that the mission is affirmed and critical issues are
tip is going to discuss how to develop a plan that laysidentified, the next step is to figure out goals, objectives
the foundation for your performance plan. Becauseand the strategy for attaining them. Goals are simply a
without a solid plan, your performance initiative is setupclearer statement of the visions, specifying the
for failure.accomplishments to be achieved when the vision
It's not uncommon for a smaller organization to havebecomes real. Objectives are clearer statements of
partially developed business objectives or a roughthe specific activities required to achieve the goals,
strategic plan, but still have a critical need to implementstarting from the current status. This is where the
a performance management process. These sevenstrategic planning process develops ideas and action
steps will help guide you through the strategic planningsteps, which are most effectively generated when
process.delegated throughout management.
1. Organize a Leadership Team5. Write the Strategic plan
2. Articulate Mission and VisionOnce the mission has been communicated, strengths
3. Assess the Current Environmentand weaknesses identified, and the strategies and
4. Agree on prioritiesgoals agreed upon, the strategic plan is ready to be
5. Write the Strategic plandeveloped. This is where it all comes together. This is
6. Implement the strategic planwhere the planning committee drafts the plan, and all
7. Monitor and Evaluatekey decision makers review it to ensure that the plan
1. Organize a Leadership Teamanswers the key questions about objectives and can
The strategic planning phase requires a team ofserve as a guide for the entire organization. A
leaders, normally the executive board or a team ofstrategic plan will enable your organization to achieve
key management with CEO oversight. The strategicoptimal performance and embark upon a
plan should identify this team and the wider communitymeaningfulprocess of ongoing improvement.
of present and potential stakeholders. If a decision is6. Implement the strategic plan
made to involve other stakeholders in the process, atThe implementation phase begins with the
which point will they be involved? Will an outsidedevelopment of the operating plan. The operating plan
consultant or facilitator be necessary to assist withdefines the short-term objectives that determine
some or all of the process? Who will keep the planningsuccess and is tied to the operating budget and
on track, and what are the best ways to make thereporting cycles. Following the fiscal calendar, your
strategic plan most useful? How will questions beorganization can measure progress toward annual
addressed and decisions made? These questionsgoals, and finance can offer feedback to guide other
should be answered at the start of the planning phase.business areas. This is where the budget is established.
2. Articulate Mission and Vision7. Monitor and Evaluate
Your mission statement will define the what, how andIn addition to implementing goals, objectives and
why of your organization's services. It should explainstrategies, an operating plan should be created to
why your organization exists and what its objectivesaddress how goals will be monitored and evaluated.
are. It should explain how your organization works toThe plan should be resourced at each board meeting.
fulfill its objectives and its values. When wording theThis will help keep the board and staff focused on the
mission statement, consider your organization'soperational goals, and will maintain a culture of valued
products, services, markets, values, and concern forplanning. The plan should be a living document enabling
public image. The vision statement includes a vividthe flexibility to adapt to change.
description of the organization as it effectively carriesIf you apply these seven steps, your organization will
out its operations.no doubt be able to plan and execute organizational
3. Assess the Current Environmentobjectives and goals.