Making the Case for Strategic Planning

Before any project, program, or initiative begins, there is always a planning phase. Whether this phase is acknowledged or not, some form of a planning process takes place. This is true both for short-term efforts with immediate outputs and for long-term undertakings that will take years to complete.

When we begin any endeavor, we anticipate that it will be successful. But without thoughtful planning, success is not assured. One way to help ensure success is to take time for strategic planning before any work begins.

Here are a few of the ways strategic planning helps you and your project achieve success.

Strategic planning:

• Creates focus

• Provides direction

• Sets intentions

• Establishes clear goals

• Plans for the unexpected

• Measures for success

As you can see, the benefits of strategic planning are truly great. So, exactly how do you go about planning in a way that achieves all of these benefits?

Over the years, I have been able to hone in on the necessary actions for successful strategic planning. My three steps for strategic planning can be used in a number of scenarios, from tasks as simple as meeting planning to larger projects, such as project development, product delivery, and even annual planning.

Without further ado, here are the three steps for strategic planning.

1. CLARIFY OBJECTIVES

Get specific on what it is you want to achieve. Many times, during the planning process, what we think are the objectives are not actually accurate. They may be vague or simply a list of activities or a series of steps. Or, trickiest of all, the “objective” is actually a goal (not an objective).

A goal considers the output (i.e., have 100 attendees at the annual conference). An objective considers value-add (i.e., conference attendees gain increased interaction with existing clients).

If the objective is too vague or is only composed of outputs, ask the question “why”. Asking why repeatedly will eventually get you to the root of what it is you are trying to achieve. This process may be challenging and even a little uncomfortable, but it is crucial to get to your true objective to make planning easier and more effective. With this level of clarity, the team will know when plans are off base, and the end result can then achieve its true purpose.

Clarifying objectives is the “strategy” piece of “strategic” planning. This step sets the stage for all subsequent planning activities.

2. LOOK FOR GAPS

Now that initial objectives have been identified, you’ll want to look for holes in the logic of your initial thoughts and assumptions. This process asks you to think deeply about what it is you are actually trying to achieve.

Be skeptical. Being skeptical allows you to challenge your own thinking and gain clarity. This clarity helps you move forward, knowing the next move will actually add value to your organization.

Here are some questions to consider in this step:

● Is this project the right next step?

● What has not yet been considered?

● Is there something missing?

● Which target audiences are missing?

● Is the objective even realistic?

3. BEGIN PLANNING

Define success. To begin the actual planning aspect of strategic planning, consider the goals and outputs you want to achieve. Outputs are the end-products of your project, resulting from following this strategic planning process.

Use the SMARTIE goals process to ensure your identified outputs are clear and useful to you. You will use your identified goals and outputs to measure your progress as you advance toward your objectives.

Evaluate your resources. Think through the resources that will be needed and which resources are currently available. Resource needs and availability will factor into timelining.

• Are there any resources missing?

• Assess the capabilities and capacity of the team. Do you need to:

• Train current employees?

• Hire new talent?

• Reconfigure teams?

• Consider available funding.

Identify milestones. Call out the short-, mid-, and long-term goals for your endeavor. Think about the big achievements that must happen first, second, and third, then link them to action.

Consider the starting line. If the team has already made progress, the first milestone you document can be more substantial.

Add guiding due dates to assist in tracking whether the team is on target or falling behind, or if the milestone is too large and should be broken down into smaller chunks. If there needs to be an adjustment of resources, work that into the milestone planning process.

Accountability is crucial to the success of this strategic planning work. During this planning phase, consider how success will be measured at each step. Establish a regular cadence for checking in with the team, as well as reviewing the planning documents. It is important to identify early when the team is off base, in order to effectively course-correct, offer support, and make changes as needed.

Intentional strategic planning may feel like it delays progress, but having a clear plan produces an end-result well worth the time and effort. With a clear objective, well-defined and objective-based measures for success, plus a well-thought-out plan, you and your team will save time, reduce confusion and ambiguity, and have a result to be proud of.