What Strategic Planning Isn't

May 6, 2016

Myth 1: Strategic Planning is an event.

Strategic planning is not an afternoon meeting or a weekend retreat
The retreat is but one of many methods to engage a group of people in developing a strategic plan for an organization.

Myth 2: A Strategic Plan is a document; some graphics and buzzwords worthy of the finest presentations.

How many times have I been presented with a lovely glossy-covered, bound document of which an organization is rightfully proud? Duly impressive. Oftentimes, a well-meaning team has worked very hard on this document; but, when I start to ask questions, I learn that few employees and stakeholders know what they are supposed to do with it.
Your planning journey should include a well-defined process that everyone can navigate; a step-by-step action plan as well as the tools, resources and continued support to keep the momentum moving forward.

Myth 3: Strategic Planning is too hard.

Roll up your sleeves. Undertaking a strategic process involves participation, vision, collaboration, questioning, navel gazing, research…there are many excellent processes for you to follow. And following the ENTIRE process is important.
Follow a process and stick with it. It works and it doesn’t need to be complicated!

Myth 4: I can write the organization’s Strategic Plan. Involving others will just take more time.

Get the right people involved. It doesn’t need to take a year to develop a strategic plan, in fact, depending on the size of the organization and the level of involvement desired, you can easily create a strategic plan and accompanying action plan in less than three months (that’s lag time), total effort may not be more than 8 days total and not even per person. Combine corporate and industry information with stakeholder expertise and innovation.