Summary:

It is not an issue of strategic planning vs. strategic thinking, according to this author; it is a matter of doing both simultaneously. Previously, strategic plans forecasted 5-7 years into the future. Today’s strategic plans only look 2-3 years ahead. Furthermore, strategic plans were nicely packed into binders that sat collecting dust until the next planning meeting between leadership.

Strategic planning should be updated and regarded as a work in progress, not a static document that no one in the organization thinks about – that is until the next planning session.

Article Quote:

“The common sentiment—“you don’t plan to fail, you fail to plan” embodies the reasons behind a strategic plan. But Boards and management, who spend countless hours and dollars on a plan and then don’t continually use it, cannot say that “the plan on the shelf” is truly planning.”

Link: http://centerfornonprofitmanagement.blogspot.com/2009/12/strategic-planning-vs-strategic.html

The economic turmoil felt by organizations and the changing global business environment has changed the way we think of strategic planning. No longer can we create the plan only to “shelve” it until the next planning session. Today we really do need to “think strategically”, and not only at the leadership level. I recently read an article by Keith Coats titled “Back to the Future: Rethinking Strategy,“ in which he writes that a good strategic planning process is one that involves a wider group within the organization, a group of diverse individuals that can generate different perspectives,  thoughts, and ideas.

While I agree that diversity provides fresh ideas and will most likely add value, it still doesn’t address the issue of getting the strategic plan into action – and off the shelf. To be successful at implementing any strategic plan, everyone in the organization needs to be working toward objectives on a daily basis. The use of performance technology puts the plan, projects, and goals in front of the eyes and minds of the group, providing a daily reminder of what needs to be done next.

For more on strategic planning, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/