Writing a Strategic Plan #1
from My Strategic Plan.com 6/13 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz
Not to Over-Simplify “how to create a Strategic Plan”, but by placing all the parts of a plan into three areas, you can clearly see how the pieces fit together. The three pieces of the puzzle are:
1) Where are we now? 2) Where are we going? 3) How will we get there?
Each part has certain elements to show you how & where things fit it. You need to review it periodically to make sure it’s still relevant and you are on the path you want to be.
Where are we now? As you think about where your organization is now, you want to look at your foundational elements (Mission & Values) to make sure there has not been a change. More than likely, you will not revise these two areas very often. Then you want to look at your current position or your Strategic position. This is where you look at what is happening internally & externally to determine how you need to shift and change You should review your strategic position regularly through the use of a SWOT analysis. These elements are as follows:
Mission Statement: The MS describes your organization’s purpose — the purpose for which you were founded and why you exist. Some Mission Statements include the business of the organization. Others explain what products or services they produce or customers they serve. Does your Mission Statement say what you do? Why does your organization exist?
Core Values and/or your Guiding principles: This clarifies what you stand for and believe in. Values guide the organization in its daily business. What are the Core Values and beliefs of your company? What values and beliefs guide your daily interactions? What are you & your people really committed to?
SWOT: is an acronym that stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats. These elements are crucial in assessing your strategic position with your organization. You want to build on your company’s strengths; reduce the weaknesses; capitalize on the opportunities; and recognize the threats.
Our Vision: Where are we going? The elements of the question “Where are we going? help you answer other questions such as “What will my organization look like in the future? “Where are we headed? “What is the future I want to create for my company? Because the future is hard to predict, you’ll just have to imagine what it may look like. The following elements help you define the future for your business:
Sustainable Competitive Advantage: explains what you are best at – compared to your competitors. Each company strives to create an advantage that continues to be competitive over the time. What can you be best at? What is your uniqueness? What can your organization potentially do better than any other organization?
[ Strategic Objectives, Short-term Goals, Action Items are in Premium Content ]