Strategic Planning - The best future is the one you create

If you do not know where you're going ... Anywhere is OK

"Will you tell me please which way I ought to go from here?" he asked.

"It really depends on where you're going," was the reply.

"I do not much care where -" he said.

"Then, no matter which way you go."

This excerpt comes from Alice in Wonderland. The scene is when Alice comes to a crossroads and discovers the Cheshire cat perched on a tree. It 'a poignant reminder that the path we take will determine our destination. What is the road we are taking for ourselves, or what we want to lead our organization forward, really matter where we go.

Planning and goal setting is a key component in reaching our destination. Some people often spend weeks planning a two week holiday schedule still will not tell the other 50 weeks of the year. Other programming any time of day, but are not closer to their destination at the end of 52 weeks compared to another group. What is the common denominator that is the main cause of "end up somewhere else"? There is a saying that goes: "If you always do what you always did, you get what you always got" - the grammar is not the best, but it is another way of describing insanity, "doing the same thing but expecting different results. " If you've never looked back and said: "As we let this happen", read on.

There are six key elements of the strategic planning process:

1. As leaders, we commit to the process. If you are committed then good results are possible. If you are not committed great harm can be done and the momentum lost. Remember, what you do is much more powerful than what you say.

2. Select a team. Everyone should not be part of the team. Make sure you are balanced with strategists and tacticians (it should be the only visionary). The participating team must be based on the title but the mindset and skills. Each team member must also be involved in the planning, execution, making the time commitment necessary to see through.

3. Establish monthly meetings. The team should meet regularly and continually to assess the current status and make necessary adjustments in a timely manner.

4. Communicate the plan. Everyone in the company must understand the plan and their role in bringing to fruition. The board of directors, executives, managers, maintenance, warehouse and everything in between must understand the plan. Create a regular communication process to keep everyone informed of successes, failures and adjustments.

5. Hold people accountable. Each person should be held accountable for fulfilling their role in implementing the plan. No exceptions! Responsibility without accountability often translates into mediocrity.

6. Keep the process. Strategic planning is not an event, is a process. Must be ongoing and continues to be successful.

Studies have shown that companies that implement the strategic planning can expect at least a 12% increase in profits. The greater the commitment to the process, the greater the increase. As far as I want to go? The future results depend on what you create today. Remember, if you do not know where you're going, anywhere will do .......