INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
The traditional approach to strategic planning might be obsolete in this fast-paced, unpredictable world. But it does not mean that planning is useless. Creating a dynamic strategic plan will enable you to respond quickly and to be creatively proactive. MORE
Should the Strategic Plan Rest in Peace? At one time, business executives believed that strategic planning was the answer to all of their problems. Today, many are questioning the strategic plan’s usefulness. 2. Building the Plan From the Bottom Up. MORE
For the 3rd year in a row I had the pleasure of facilitating Biel’s Document Management Strategic Plan. Strategic Planning Objectives: Develop strategic plan for 2014+. Develop, update and refine plan through 2014. MORE
Six Disciplines founder and CEO Gary Harpst recently appeared on Jim Blasingame's Small Business Radio , for an interview focused on strategic planning. Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of long-term strategy when planning internal projects, plus tips to help you keep strategy planning on your mind. MORE
Budgets get more attention than the umbrellas under which they rightfully belong: Strategic Planning and Visioning. By itself, Budgeting does not constitute full-scope planning and business strategy. Does your strategic plan adequately describe what you do? MORE
The Nuts and Bolts of the 1-Page Strategic Plan. I am delighted that so many readers of the CEO Afterlife blog have asked for details of the content that goes into the 1-Page Strategic Plan. Start with deep strategic thought and the right conviction. MORE
Human Resources Leadership Organizational Effectiveness planning Strategic PlanningWhen I was a college student, my New Venture Studies class had the opportunity to advise a local resident starting his own coffee shop. MORE
Are strategic thinking and strategic planning - the same thing? While they certainly related and complementary, thinking strategically and planning strategically are two different concepts. Let's first consider strategic thinking , which involves viewing your organization from a holistic perspective. Research has determined that strategic thinking can be explained through seven dimensions: A vision of the future. MORE
As a strategy consultant, I have had the opportunity to review a lot of strategic plans over the years. It’s been truly amazing to discover just how many major organizations develop strategic plans that contain little more than a whole lot of budget estimates and revenue projections. This kind of strategic planning is something that I like to call “ Strategic Planning 2.0 “ Strategic Planning 2.0 MORE
I recently wrote two posts criticizing strategic planning. While Self wasn’t directly critiquing strategic planning (SP), that “tragic erosion of deep engagement” is an articulate description of many strategy plans as well. It won’t replace strategic planning, but can definitely be a great resource for any leader facing a formidable labyrinth of decisions ahead of him/her. MORE
I wrote a post a few weeks back called Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning. We do kill a lot of trees when engage in strategic planning (SP). Consider some of the stakeholders: CEOs – I’m not 100% convinced they read the Strategic Plans themselves, but they do look really pretty (especially after Communications departments get ahold of them) and somewhat useful to shareholders and boards. A printed plan is not an implemented plan. MORE
Last May, I wrote a post entitled “Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning.” I still think consultants make too much money off of organizations’ planning efforts (it’s only okay if you hire me as your consultant). I still think those plans look really pretty on bookshelves. I still think Greenpeace should protest the number of trees killed each year by producing strategic plans. Is that planning session worth $2000 per hour? MORE
by Gary Cohen When doing a strategic plan, you may be faced with mountains of data. How you use the data from many different surveys is critical to the outcome of your strategic plan. Strategic Planning. MORE
Focus on the process, not the plan. Business leaders trying to plot the future of their companies without a plan often find their business not going exactly where they intended. But a strategic plan for the organization is key if, and only if, it is a living, breathing document to be used frequently. We really need to start calling this strategic planning to indicate the ongoing nature of the refinement and work in progress that this becomes. MORE
Is strategic planning dead? How many leaders have read a strategic plan, fallen asleep, woken up hoping you didn’t snore too loud, and then tried to get through it and fill your part of the boxes in? Strategic plans read like Ikea directions. We love to promote workplaces that involve the frontlines, get everyone involved, engage our employees…but has anyone ever been engaged by a strategic plan? Or maybe a better question is, should it die? MORE
Recently, when working with clients to bring the strategic planning process out of the board room and into mail room, we brought to life Motivation 2.0. Every company can implement strategic planning by involving all or many employees at every level. In the many years running our business when ever we brought the planning process across all levels those were the years that we found the greatest success. How far do you reach with your strategic planning? MORE
A dear friend of mine came over a few months ago for a glass of wine and asked me, “What’s the half-life of a strategic plan ?” ” Why is it that strategic plans start to lose their value so quickly? Quality of the Planning Process. MORE
If you’re frustrated by your organization’s current strategic planning and execution processes or the outcomes from that work, you’re not alone. Planning Horizon: Old paradigm strategic planning has been historically focused on a long term horizon, usually between 3-5 years. MORE
In general, strategic plans can fail for two types of reasons: inappropriate strategy and poor execution. More often than not, however, it''s not that the strategic plans fail - it''s the execution that fails. Here are some common reasons how or why execution falls short of the strategic plan: Over-estimation of resources and abilities. Failure to follow the plan. MORE
Here is the background regarding the importance of clearly understanding the " intangible identity elements " that consist of the assumptions/beliefs, values/aspirations, vision and guiding principles as it relates to creating a Vision/Mission Statement (along with the supporting business plans that each functional unit will put together based on the leadership developed Vision/Mission Statement). . The Planning Process. Here is a summary of the strategic planning process: . MORE
Well-crafted strategic and annual business plans provide a sense of purpose and direction. Given the value strategic and annual business plans represent, how much should be invested in their development? Strategic Planning Best Practice 7 – Shared Accountability. MORE
I had the honor and pleasure of facilitating the University at Buffalo School of Social Work 5 year strategic planning session. We are planning on having the 5 Year Strategic Plan done in about 8 to 10 months. MORE
CEOs of small businesses often appear to believe in myths surrounding the subject of strategic planning and execution - myths that can prove dangerous to the health of their organization. Myth #1: “We don’t need a strategic plan!” The truth is that every organization needs some form of plan to guide its actions or it will simply “drift off course” in the chaos businesses often face in their daily operations. Myth #5: Planning will predict the future. MORE
Adopt a policy of strategic planning. Strategic goals and objectives must filter downward throughout all the organization. 7 Measurements of Successful Budgeting and Planning: The business you’re in. Human beings live to attract goals. MORE
The need for short-, mid-, and long-term planning will always exist as a critical factor in successful business regardless of changes in technology. Because NO-ONE Planned! Strategic planning is necessary part of every Managers life. MORE
Strategy Activation is the new bridge that spans the chasm between strategic intent and marketplace implementation. Without this, your strategic vision will remain a presentation and nothing more Scott Glatstein, who writes for the American Chronicle, offers this article " Business Strategy Execution: 4 Reasons Why Your Company’s Strategy Isn’t Working.". Your business strategy defines your company’s intent. MORE
Guest post from Patrick Thean : In business, a leader’s ability to strategically plan for the company’s future is of the highest importance. Your company will not be successful if you don’t have the strategies and execution plans in place to reach your objectives. MORE
Last May, I wrote a post entitled “Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning.” I still think consultants make too much money off of organizations’ planning efforts (it’s only okay if you hire me as your consultant). I still think those plans look really pretty on bookshelves. I still think Greenpeace should protest the number of trees killed each year by producing strategic plans. Is that planning session worth $2000 per hour? MORE
Mike Brown, the founder of the Kansas City, MO company called, The Brainzooming Group , encourages business leaders to solicit feedback from their customers when creating a strategic plan. MORE
I recently wrote two posts criticizing strategic planning. While Self wasn’t directly critiquing strategic planning (SP), that “tragic erosion of deep engagement&# is an articulate description of many strategy plans as well. It won’t replace strategic planning, but can definitely be a great resource for any leader facing a formidable labyrinth of decisions ahead of him/her. Featured Mission strategic planning strategy vanderpyl MORE
It’s been said that “a vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is just drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world.” Read my latest post over at About.com to learn the 7 basic elements of a strategic plan : vision, mission, SWOT analysis, core values, goals, objectives, and action plans. goals mission planning strategy vision MORE
The post Three Critical Questions for Strategic Planning appeared first on General Leadership. Guest Posts executive leadership Leadership Leading Leaders Mickey Addison performance Planning strategic plan success Team MORE
What do you need to do to share your strategic plan? Creating a strategic plan is quite an undertaking for a business. A great strategic plan should have focus and clarity around vision, mission, objectives, strategies and actions. MORE
Strategic Planning Agenda. Below is a 1 day strategic planning workshop. Following the strategic planning meeting there was 4 follow-up meetings to refine the plan and document action steps. Objectives: Develop strategic plan for 2014+. MORE
The following article — Time is Money: The 3 Different Approaches to Strategic Planning — was written by Gabriel Najera — Founder, Najera Consulting Group. Even though I did strategy development for billion dollar corporations in the early days of my business 30 years ago, I had no idea that there were 3 different approaches to strategic planning. Time is Money: The 3 Different Approaches to Strategic Planning. MORE
Here's one more gem from the book -- the authors' recommendations for a six-step strategic planning process : Set an aspirational destination (derived from the mission and vision). Develop detailed plans that will deliver on selected strategies. MORE
Are strategic thinking and strategic planning - the same thing ? While they certainly related and complementary, thinking strategically and planning strategically are two different concepts. Let''s first consider strategic thinking , which involves viewing your organization from a holistic perspective. . Research has determined that strategic thinking can be explained through seven dimensions: A vision of the future. MORE
Human Resources Leadership Organizational Effectiveness planning Strategic PlanningWhen I was a college student, my New Venture Studies class had the opportunity to advise a local resident starting his own coffee shop. MORE
Having a solid strategic plan will allow your company and team to flourish and accomplish needed results. Contact Mike to schedule a strategic planning meeting that will deliver results and engaged staff that are part-of the plan. MORE
Do you think CEO's and Executives are doing alot strategic planning for their businesses? On the other hand they have been failing in planning the future strategy for their business which includes thinks like succession planning, future changes in the industry etc. It is time that senior management and executives now focus on future strategic planning and let middle management do the day to day running of the business. MORE
I wrote a post a few weeks back called Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning. We do kill a lot of trees when engage in strategic planning (SP). Consider some of the stakeholders: CEOs – I’m not 100% convinced they read the Strategic Plans themselves, but they do look really pretty (especially after Communications departments get ahold of them) and somewhat useful to shareholders and boards. A printed plan is not an implemented plan. MORE
Here's one more gem from the book -- the authors' recommendations for a six-step strategic planning process : Set an aspirational destination (derived from the mission and vision). Develop detailed plans that will deliver on selected strategies. Brand Strategy Eric Jacobson on Leadership and Management Leadership Strategic Planning StrategyAwhile back, I shared highlights from the useful book, First-Time Leader , by George Bradt and Gillian Davis. MORE
Planning requires people in companies to make their best guess on what to focus on and what not to focus on. Taking some time to frame the planning is a way that asks people to think in real work, while allowing them to reach for ‘miracle solutions’ is something I have found effective. MORE
The kryptonite that threatens to kill the dreams of every entrepreneur is strategic planning. Many people have no plan and try shooting from the hip, so effort and resources are wasted or unfocused. Others get bogged down in an overly-detailed planning […]. The post 075: Conquer the Entrepreneur’s Kryptonite: Simple Strategic Planning | with James Woosley appeared first on Engaging Leader. MORE
Strategic Planning Related Topics General Leadership
AUGUST 21, 2015
The post Three Critical Questions for Strategic Planning appeared first on General Leadership. Guest Posts executive leadership Leadership Leading Leaders Mickey Addison performance Planning strategic plan success Team
N2Growth Blog
OCTOBER 19, 2016
If you’re frustrated by your organization’s current strategic planning and execution processes or the outcomes from that work, you’re not alone. Planning Horizon: Old paradigm strategic planning has been historically focused on a long term horizon, usually between 3-5 years.
Jesse Lyn Stoner Blog
DECEMBER 16, 2015
The traditional approach to strategic planning might be obsolete in this fast-paced, unpredictable world. But it does not mean that planning is useless. Creating a dynamic strategic plan will enable you to respond quickly and to be creatively proactive.
Nathan Magnuson
MARCH 25, 2013
Human Resources Leadership Organizational Effectiveness planning Strategic PlanningWhen I was a college student, my New Venture Studies class had the opportunity to advise a local resident starting his own coffee shop.
N2Growth Blog
JUNE 13, 2016
As a strategy consultant, I have had the opportunity to review a lot of strategic plans over the years. It’s been truly amazing to discover just how many major organizations develop strategic plans that contain little more than a whole lot of budget estimates and revenue projections. This kind of strategic planning is something that I like to call “ Strategic Planning 2.0 “ Strategic Planning 2.0
Nathan Magnuson
MARCH 25, 2013
Human Resources Leadership Organizational Effectiveness planning Strategic PlanningWhen I was a college student, my New Venture Studies class had the opportunity to advise a local resident starting his own coffee shop.
Mike Cardus
DECEMBER 12, 2013
Strategic Planning Agenda. Below is a 1 day strategic planning workshop. Following the strategic planning meeting there was 4 follow-up meetings to refine the plan and document action steps. Objectives: Develop strategic plan for 2014+.
Great Leadership By Dan
APRIL 16, 2015
Guest post from Patrick Thean : In business, a leader’s ability to strategically plan for the company’s future is of the highest importance. Your company will not be successful if you don’t have the strategies and execution plans in place to reach your objectives.
Coaching Tip
DECEMBER 17, 2014
Here is the background regarding the importance of clearly understanding the " intangible identity elements " that consist of the assumptions/beliefs, values/aspirations, vision and guiding principles as it relates to creating a Vision/Mission Statement (along with the supporting business plans that each functional unit will put together based on the leadership developed Vision/Mission Statement). . The Planning Process. Here is a summary of the strategic planning process: .
Eric Jacobson
JULY 25, 2018
Here's one more gem from the book -- the authors' recommendations for a six-step strategic planning process : Set an aspirational destination (derived from the mission and vision). Develop detailed plans that will deliver on selected strategies. Brand Strategy Eric Jacobson on Leadership and Management Leadership Strategic Planning StrategyAwhile back, I shared highlights from the useful book, First-Time Leader , by George Bradt and Gillian Davis.
Eric Jacobson
MARCH 1, 2018
Here's one more gem from the book -- the authors' recommendations for a six-step strategic planning process : Set an aspirational destination (derived from the mission and vision). Develop detailed plans that will deliver on selected strategies.
Strategy Driven
MARCH 19, 2013
Well-crafted strategic and annual business plans provide a sense of purpose and direction. Given the value strategic and annual business plans represent, how much should be invested in their development? Strategic Planning Best Practice 7 – Shared Accountability.
Strategy Driven
APRIL 21, 2016
Focus on the process, not the plan. Business leaders trying to plot the future of their companies without a plan often find their business not going exactly where they intended. But a strategic plan for the organization is key if, and only if, it is a living, breathing document to be used frequently. We really need to start calling this strategic planning to indicate the ongoing nature of the refinement and work in progress that this becomes.
Mike Cardus
FEBRUARY 27, 2012
The need for short-, mid-, and long-term planning will always exist as a critical factor in successful business regardless of changes in technology. Because NO-ONE Planned! Strategic planning is necessary part of every Managers life.
Six Disciplines
JANUARY 17, 2014
Are strategic thinking and strategic planning - the same thing ? While they certainly related and complementary, thinking strategically and planning strategically are two different concepts. Let''s first consider strategic thinking , which involves viewing your organization from a holistic perspective. . Research has determined that strategic thinking can be explained through seven dimensions: A vision of the future.
Six Disciplines
MAY 30, 2014
In general, strategic plans can fail for two types of reasons: inappropriate strategy and poor execution. More often than not, however, it''s not that the strategic plans fail - it''s the execution that fails. Here are some common reasons how or why execution falls short of the strategic plan: Over-estimation of resources and abilities. Failure to follow the plan.
Mike Cardus
DECEMBER 17, 2013
For the 3rd year in a row I had the pleasure of facilitating Biel’s Document Management Strategic Plan. Strategic Planning Objectives: Develop strategic plan for 2014+. Develop, update and refine plan through 2014.
Six Disciplines
MARCH 27, 2015
CEOs of small businesses often appear to believe in myths surrounding the subject of strategic planning and execution - myths that can prove dangerous to the health of their organization. Myth #1: “We don’t need a strategic plan!” The truth is that every organization needs some form of plan to guide its actions or it will simply “drift off course” in the chaos businesses often face in their daily operations. Myth #5: Planning will predict the future.
Mike Cardus
DECEMBER 12, 2012
Having a solid strategic plan will allow your company and team to flourish and accomplish needed results. Contact Mike to schedule a strategic planning meeting that will deliver results and engaged staff that are part-of the plan.
Mike Cardus
DECEMBER 14, 2012
Planning requires people in companies to make their best guess on what to focus on and what not to focus on. Taking some time to frame the planning is a way that asks people to think in real work, while allowing them to reach for ‘miracle solutions’ is something I have found effective.
Strategy Driven
NOVEMBER 2, 2012
Budgets get more attention than the umbrellas under which they rightfully belong: Strategic Planning and Visioning. By itself, Budgeting does not constitute full-scope planning and business strategy. Does your strategic plan adequately describe what you do?
The Empowered Buisness
JUNE 16, 2015
The following article — Time is Money: The 3 Different Approaches to Strategic Planning — was written by Gabriel Najera — Founder, Najera Consulting Group. Even though I did strategy development for billion dollar corporations in the early days of my business 30 years ago, I had no idea that there were 3 different approaches to strategic planning. Time is Money: The 3 Different Approaches to Strategic Planning.
Six Disciplines
NOVEMBER 1, 2011
Are strategic thinking and strategic planning - the same thing? While they certainly related and complementary, thinking strategically and planning strategically are two different concepts. Let's first consider strategic thinking , which involves viewing your organization from a holistic perspective. Research has determined that strategic thinking can be explained through seven dimensions: A vision of the future.
CO2
AUGUST 15, 2013
by Gary Cohen When doing a strategic plan, you may be faced with mountains of data. How you use the data from many different surveys is critical to the outcome of your strategic plan. Strategic Planning.
LDRLB
MARCH 26, 2012
Last May, I wrote a post entitled “Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning.” I still think consultants make too much money off of organizations’ planning efforts (it’s only okay if you hire me as your consultant). I still think those plans look really pretty on bookshelves. I still think Greenpeace should protest the number of trees killed each year by producing strategic plans. Is that planning session worth $2000 per hour?
CO2
MAY 24, 2013
A dear friend of mine came over a few months ago for a glass of wine and asked me, “What’s the half-life of a strategic plan ?” ” Why is it that strategic plans start to lose their value so quickly? Quality of the Planning Process.
CO2
APRIL 18, 2012
What do you need to do to share your strategic plan? Creating a strategic plan is quite an undertaking for a business. A great strategic plan should have focus and clarity around vision, mission, objectives, strategies and actions.
Engaging Leader
FEBRUARY 6, 2014
The kryptonite that threatens to kill the dreams of every entrepreneur is strategic planning. Many people have no plan and try shooting from the hip, so effort and resources are wasted or unfocused. Others get bogged down in an overly-detailed planning […]. The post 075: Conquer the Entrepreneur’s Kryptonite: Simple Strategic Planning | with James Woosley appeared first on Engaging Leader.
Strategy Driven
DECEMBER 7, 2012
Adopt a policy of strategic planning. Strategic goals and objectives must filter downward throughout all the organization. 7 Measurements of Successful Budgeting and Planning: The business you’re in. Human beings live to attract goals.
LDRLB
JUNE 20, 2011
I wrote a post a few weeks back called Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning. We do kill a lot of trees when engage in strategic planning (SP). Consider some of the stakeholders: CEOs – I’m not 100% convinced they read the Strategic Plans themselves, but they do look really pretty (especially after Communications departments get ahold of them) and somewhat useful to shareholders and boards. A printed plan is not an implemented plan.
LDRLB
JUNE 30, 2011
I recently wrote two posts criticizing strategic planning. While Self wasn’t directly critiquing strategic planning (SP), that “tragic erosion of deep engagement&# is an articulate description of many strategy plans as well. It won’t replace strategic planning, but can definitely be a great resource for any leader facing a formidable labyrinth of decisions ahead of him/her. Featured Mission strategic planning strategy vanderpyl
LDRLB
MARCH 26, 2012
Last May, I wrote a post entitled “Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning.” I still think consultants make too much money off of organizations’ planning efforts (it’s only okay if you hire me as your consultant). I still think those plans look really pretty on bookshelves. I still think Greenpeace should protest the number of trees killed each year by producing strategic plans. Is that planning session worth $2000 per hour?
LDRLB
MAY 31, 2011
Is strategic planning dead? How many leaders have read a strategic plan, fallen asleep, woken up hoping you didn’t snore too loud, and then tried to get through it and fill your part of the boxes in? Strategic plans read like Ikea directions. We love to promote workplaces that involve the frontlines, get everyone involved, engage our employees…but has anyone ever been engaged by a strategic plan? Or maybe a better question is, should it die?
LDRLB
JUNE 30, 2011
I recently wrote two posts criticizing strategic planning. While Self wasn’t directly critiquing strategic planning (SP), that “tragic erosion of deep engagement” is an articulate description of many strategy plans as well. It won’t replace strategic planning, but can definitely be a great resource for any leader facing a formidable labyrinth of decisions ahead of him/her.
Chartered Management Institute
JULY 20, 2012
Do you think CEO's and Executives are doing alot strategic planning for their businesses? On the other hand they have been failing in planning the future strategy for their business which includes thinks like succession planning, future changes in the industry etc. It is time that senior management and executives now focus on future strategic planning and let middle management do the day to day running of the business.
In the CEO Afterlife
JUNE 26, 2011
Should the Strategic Plan Rest in Peace? At one time, business executives believed that strategic planning was the answer to all of their problems. Today, many are questioning the strategic plan’s usefulness. 2. Building the Plan From the Bottom Up.
In the CEO Afterlife
JULY 17, 2011
The Nuts and Bolts of the 1-Page Strategic Plan. I am delighted that so many readers of the CEO Afterlife blog have asked for details of the content that goes into the 1-Page Strategic Plan. Start with deep strategic thought and the right conviction.
Mike Cardus
MARCH 11, 2013
I had the honor and pleasure of facilitating the University at Buffalo School of Social Work 5 year strategic planning session. We are planning on having the 5 Year Strategic Plan done in about 8 to 10 months.
LDRLB
JUNE 20, 2011
I wrote a post a few weeks back called Save a Tree, Stop Strategic Planning. We do kill a lot of trees when engage in strategic planning (SP). Consider some of the stakeholders: CEOs – I’m not 100% convinced they read the Strategic Plans themselves, but they do look really pretty (especially after Communications departments get ahold of them) and somewhat useful to shareholders and boards. A printed plan is not an implemented plan.
Six Disciplines
FEBRUARY 2, 2011
Six Disciplines founder and CEO Gary Harpst recently appeared on Jim Blasingame's Small Business Radio , for an interview focused on strategic planning. Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of long-term strategy when planning internal projects, plus tips to help you keep strategy planning on your mind.
Eric Jacobson
AUGUST 14, 2013
Mike Brown, the founder of the Kansas City, MO company called, The Brainzooming Group , encourages business leaders to solicit feedback from their customers when creating a strategic plan.
Six Disciplines
JUNE 13, 2011
Strategy Activation is the new bridge that spans the chasm between strategic intent and marketplace implementation. Without this, your strategic vision will remain a presentation and nothing more Scott Glatstein, who writes for the American Chronicle, offers this article " Business Strategy Execution: 4 Reasons Why Your Company’s Strategy Isn’t Working.". Your business strategy defines your company’s intent.
CO2
DECEMBER 23, 2010
Recently, when working with clients to bring the strategic planning process out of the board room and into mail room, we brought to life Motivation 2.0. Every company can implement strategic planning by involving all or many employees at every level. In the many years running our business when ever we brought the planning process across all levels those were the years that we found the greatest success. How far do you reach with your strategic planning?
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