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Strategic Planning, continued
When facilitating the development of a Strategic plan, I work with the owner or managers to use a series of analysis tools to develop a realistic picture of the company, its suppliers, and its customers. This establishes who the company is and where strengths and weaknesses might be found. The second phase of the process is to analyze where the company needs to focus to develop a sustainable competitive advantage in its marketplace. Analyzing the company products or services relative to the needs of the market provides this. Once the goals and the direction are carefully established, it is important to get all of the horses pulling together to reach the objective. Bringing the managers and employees together to prepare their team or personal plans that support the company objectives is a good way to enable the team. I like to meet with the owner or management team each month to assure the plan evolves properly. This varies depending on the complexity of the company and the urgency to put a plan into place. In conclusion, most organizations operate more smoothly when each member of the team is working toward a well-understood objective. Organizational turbulence is reduced when everyone knows why the goals have been set and understand their participation in the success of the company. Generating their own plans for their contribution provides an effective emotional stake in the success. Keith Chiles |