Here’s another catchy phrase that business leaders like to throw around—strategic planning. Yet, the ones who really get it and see its value are the leaders who’ve taken their business to great heights. And there’s the critical difference. You can say you’re doing this, or you can really do this and mean it. Your team and your clients know the distinction.

So, if you really mean business, then you need to think about a smart strategy.

And in order for it to have impact, it needs to be done right. Strategic planning expert, Dr. Carol A. Poore, lays out the formula with her book Strategic Impact, that includes a structured method of identifying and establishing a long-term vision for achieving organizational objectives.

This is a big part of business success. Sometimes strategic planning is embarked upon by people who are not fully vested in the process or have little knowledge about the purpose and worth of this vital step in framing the future of an organization. Whether it occurs at the onset or as part of an annual retreat, strategic planning is necessary for growth, goal setting, defining culture initiatives and promoting sustainability for all aspects of an organization.

This also extends to tightening up the message of what an organization does and why it does it.

Many leaders may believe that this is already understood, but all too often teams operate blindly. Smart business relies on on a plan. When they are clear on the goals and understand their roles in achieving them, magic happens. It’s also important to have key members of the strategic planning group represent various levels and groups within the organization.

Poore also makes the process incredibly simple by breaking it down into three key stages and defines how to capture critical data and outcomes along the way. There are also the chapters that address executive buy-in and commitment to seeing the process through to fruition. And she provides a great argument as to why outside parties are key in strategic planning.

It is clear that this Strategic Impact and Dr. Poore are your go-to resources when it comes to this integral step in business growth and sustainability.

Source: Greenleaf Book Group

Image Courtesy of Greenleaf Book Group