Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Open the way for a strategic plan for success


Many successful entrepreneurs may never have had a formal strategic plan. Some people think: "Why do we need to do strategic planning? We're doing great, just like us."

It is not unusual for a small business owner you have the following questions:

or Why do I need to have a strategic plan? Can not I just tell everyone what our objectives be?

o How do I start?

or I can facilitate the planning sessions, or should I hire a professional facilitator?

or will it, like other projects, after spending time and money, just sitting on a shelf?

If you've determined that you are indeed ready to begin a strategic planning process there are several steps to open the road and ensure the plan is executed.

Step One: Get Ready

We recommend using a professional facilitator for the initial planning. The role of the facilitator will be to:

or lead the group in an objective / neutral.

Or the secure ideas and decisions are not lost.

o Make sure the desired results are given before the group.

or be more objective and thus can handle difficult situations.

O Challenge assumptions.

Ø To encourage equal participation.

After you've decided you're going to create a plan, you will need to think about who to include in the group. All those who will be affected by the decisions or the information should be represented.

or whose input you need?

Or who is required to make a decision?

Ø Who should buy into the plan?

Those in leadership positions often think they know what's going on with the business, but people in the ranks are those who really know. They can offer honest feedback on what works, what does not work or what is missing. The more input you have, the stronger will be your decisions.

If you involve all affected by the plan, companies can build an understanding and commitment to see through. Everyone will feel a sense of belonging in its development.

Step Two: Planning Meeting

What you do before a meeting and follow-up after a meeting are equally important for what happens during the meeting. When planning the meeting, to clarify the desired results. "What do we want?" For example, in the first meeting could determine the company's values, brand promise and vision. At the second meeting could be set objectives, determine the key number and develop your action plan. It is recommended to use a facilitator for these meetings.

Let everyone know what to expect. Be clear with the group how the meeting will run and on decision making. The best way to create commitment and participation must be clear why we are encountering. This is important because nothing hurts morale more than a misunderstanding of why people are there and what their role will be in meetings and decision making.

Get competent people involved in planning at the beginning of the meeting. This will reduce their resistance. You'll be less likely to hear comments like "We're too busy. Why do we need a plan? We are not doing well as we?" If you get the right people involved at the beginning, the commitment will be greater than the plan will be effective.

Step Three: Conducting the Meeting

Spend some 'time at the beginning of the sessions with what is called "inclusion" or "team building". If you spend the time to put all on the same page, it will be time well spent. This is crucial, so do not cut too short.

Pay attention to the content and process of the meeting. The content is the agenda and decisions. The process is like the discussion takes place and how decisions are made. Rest assured, paying attention to the process increases the likelihood that the tasks were done, and will go a long way toward making the meeting more effective and productive.

Listen to everyone. Make sure everyone has a chance to speak - all the more engaged, more responsible decisions will be taken in the strategic planning session. When people are involved in decisions are more likely to achieve them. This creates a sense of belonging - they are more invested in the outcome

Step Four: Do not let it sit on a shelf

Do not just write the plan, pat yourself on the back and put it away. Write it and then make sure that everyone gets a copy. Develop a system for reviewing and monitoring the plan .. Whatever system you choose, make it consistent. Have weekly meetings, monthly and quarterly. Verne Harnish, in his book Mastering the Rockefeller Habits talks about developing a "rhythm" that will help keep everyone focused and consistent way to know how they fit in with business goals and plans. They will perform at a higher level. There will be a better alignment around the strategic choices made in the planning session.

The communication will be more effective. Regular meetings provide an opportunity to ask important questions such as: "We are doing the right thing?" If not, then you can stop and rethink decisions. Regular meetings will give the opportunity to make the best decisions you can as you progress, and manage the plan as a team. Keeping your plan dynamic, it is possible in relation to issues that arise on a daily basis. You can use your own judgment and intuition to develop new approaches to issues with respect to the plane. It helps you keep your priorities clear.

The plan must be firm but flexible enough that when new ideas and insights that emerge can be opened for them. You want to have the creative freedom to hold meetings.

Step Five: Celebrate!

Whatever you do, do not forget this step. Even if your strategic plan should not be perfect, you and your team deserve to celebrate your hard work and success.

© 2005 Julane Borth...

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