Summary:

Holly Green compares waving a magic wand in movies or books to the attitude management often takes when it comes to implementing their strategic plans. Managers put a lot of hard work into developing the plan, then everyone sits back and  hopes that somehow they will magically get their desired outcomes. Yet developing the plan is only half the battle. In order to achieve your goals, you must break the process down into manageable steps. Begin with a comparison of where you want to be and where you currently are. Then come up with the benchmarks needed to transform your current reality. Ask what operating goals and strategies you can realistically achieve in a given time frame, then supply the resources and support necessary to get you there.

Article Quote:

“In today’s chaotic markets, nothing is more critical than figuring out where you need to go as an organization. Once you do, put away your magic wand and invest the time in creating your incremental, substantial, and transformational action plans. These will ensure that all your hard work during the initial planning phase doesn’t go to waste.”

Link: http://bx.businessweek.com/strategy/view?url=http://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/2010/01/magic-wand-of-strategic-planning.html

Breaking down goals into tactical plans requires careful consideration of the businesses current capabilities and what is needed to move forward. Leadership must think about what resources are needed to improve skills, competencies, or processes and how much your organization can absorb without getting off course. Keep the plan active by constantly monitoring results. Accountability increases when everyone on the team knows who is assigned what, at what level the task is completed, and what the rewards or consequences are for the outcome.

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