Strategic planning has been branded a “big lie.” One reason is that what really unfolds for an organization is not the same as what was articulated in the strategic plan to begin with. The result “emerges.” In other words, the plan needs updating as time progresses.
3 Stumbling Blocks that Get in the Way of Strategic Planning
And how to overcome them.
April 28, 2022
Illustration by Samuel Finch
Summary.
Managers struggle with strategic planning — to the extent that some experts claim that there’s no such thing. Actually, strategic planning is a very useful part of the toolkit, provided you can avoid the stumbling blocks. The key is to recognize that a strategic plan is not a to-do list but rather a set of ideas that you will certainly change. Given that, it’s important to build change into the process. Finally, don’t tie your strategic plan too closely to your budget.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.