Considerations in Strategic Planning

Year-end seems to be a typical time when many organizations conduct their strategic planning process. An annual strategic plan sets organizational objectives and priorities for the coming year at a minimum. These plans will ideally address ‘Where are we now? Where are we going? and How are we going to get there?” I have seen executives get so excited about the planning process that they fail to implement an action strategy that is followed up with assignment of individual accountability.

According to Erica Olsen, the Virtual Strategist, there are 10 Common Pitfalls of strategic planning. These plans often lack:

1. Ownership;
2. Empowerment;
3. Accountability;
4. Communication; and
5. Are Removed from daily operations;
6. Are not aligned to the regular decision making process;
7. Are overwhelming;
8. Lack buy-in;
9. Are only conducted annually and
10. Are viewed as an event!

Erica has a great set of short videos that my friend Steve Gladis, Ph.D of Steve Gladis Leadership brought to my attention. You may find them helpful in designing your own strategic planning sessions.