Research has shown that Strategic Planning (SP) improves the performance of public and private organizations. (George, Walker, Monster, 2019). SP is recognized as an important activity for the successful management of private and public organizations. Its value lies in addressing the question, “How do we fulfill the purpose of the business or organization?”
There are many clever expressions that support extending the planning horizon beyond weeks or months:
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Peter Drucker
Strategic Plans Are Never Implemented
But unfortunately, a large percentage of SPs are never completed, and many are totally forgotten after two to three years.
My service does not include leading you through a process of creating a strategic plan. There are many others who provide that service, along with a large body of literature to help you lead the process if you are so inclined.
Revising Strategic Plans
The following are some things that I do to help you.
| Determine why the plan was never implemented | a: Poorly conceived, not practical b: Lack of staff c: Lack of commitment d: Force majeure |
| Salvage portions worth implementing | a: Interview stakeholders b: Create revised plan |
| Reboot | a: Assess resources and capabilities b: Link plan with daily operations c: Establish realistic timeline d: Assign roles and responsibilities e: Provide oversight |
Bibliography
George, B., Walker, R., Monster, J., 2019, “Does Strategic Planning Improve Organizational Performance? A Meta-Analysis”, Public Administration Review, Wiley Periodicals
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