Successful management necessitates strategic and tactical planning. I
frequently encounter managers in all organizations, at all levels who
don't plan. Do you?
Have a Strategic Plan Aligned with Business Needs
A strategic plan communicates high level direction and goals detailing how you will accomplish your vision. Developing a strategic plan is a unique discipline with numerous methods and techniques. Regardless the method you choose to develop your plan, do not include anything dealing with cost reduction. If you are doing the right work, the numbers take care of themselves. Instead, think deeply and present something of substance. Your strategic plan should inspire your staff and give them something to passionately support.
It's easy to spot organizations that lack a clear strategic plan. Staff in those organizations work at cross purposes, struggle to finish projects, and collectively accomplish very little. Management is likened to herding cats. Worst of all, smart people in those organizations do not tolerate it. If they are unable to induce positive change, they will look to move away from mediocrity leaving you at a competitive disadvantage.
Have a Tactical Plan that Implements Your Strategy
A tactical plan defines the work necessary to achieve the strategic plan. This work should consist of near term tasks that directly and clearly relate back to your strategic plan. These tasks translate into concrete and measurable work for your staff. Defining and linking your staff's work to the tactical plan provides them a clear understanding of how they, and others, support the strategy. That fosters engagement and commitment to the plan.
Always Communicate the Plans
Share the plans with everyone involved. So what if your competitors get a copy! They likely have different plans than you anyway. Unless your plans contain trade secrets, they are worthless and only return value when implemented.
Communicate your plans often. You need to constantly affirm understanding and awareness as well as allow for feedback and adjustments. Plans are rarely static and often need to account for new information and dynamics. All the more reason to communicate your plans frequently.![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=7f6b090f-791e-4203-a43f-a027abd62fa7)
A strategic plan communicates high level direction and goals detailing how you will accomplish your vision. Developing a strategic plan is a unique discipline with numerous methods and techniques. Regardless the method you choose to develop your plan, do not include anything dealing with cost reduction. If you are doing the right work, the numbers take care of themselves. Instead, think deeply and present something of substance. Your strategic plan should inspire your staff and give them something to passionately support.
It's easy to spot organizations that lack a clear strategic plan. Staff in those organizations work at cross purposes, struggle to finish projects, and collectively accomplish very little. Management is likened to herding cats. Worst of all, smart people in those organizations do not tolerate it. If they are unable to induce positive change, they will look to move away from mediocrity leaving you at a competitive disadvantage.
Have a Tactical Plan that Implements Your Strategy
A tactical plan defines the work necessary to achieve the strategic plan. This work should consist of near term tasks that directly and clearly relate back to your strategic plan. These tasks translate into concrete and measurable work for your staff. Defining and linking your staff's work to the tactical plan provides them a clear understanding of how they, and others, support the strategy. That fosters engagement and commitment to the plan.
Always Communicate the Plans
Share the plans with everyone involved. So what if your competitors get a copy! They likely have different plans than you anyway. Unless your plans contain trade secrets, they are worthless and only return value when implemented.
Communicate your plans often. You need to constantly affirm understanding and awareness as well as allow for feedback and adjustments. Plans are rarely static and often need to account for new information and dynamics. All the more reason to communicate your plans frequently.
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