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/
Summary:
Tactical planning takes strategy and puts it into action. Three key components of a basic tactical plan include action plans, measurements and an education and training plan for department employees, according to Steve Van Remortel, a consultant, speaker, certified behavioral analyst and president of SM Advisors Inc., a strategic planning and talent management consulting firm.
Reasons given for the importance of tactical plans include: a result in company-wide involvement, buy-in and accountability. When these factors increase, so too will active participation in putting the strategic plan into action.
Article Quote:
“Each action plan is developed to achieve an organizational goal, and must have an owner and a prioritized completion date. Because accountability is so important, all action plans should be reviewed at least monthly.”
Link: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091206/GPG03/912060606/1247/Tactical-planning-makes-a-difference
Successful Implementation of tactical plans requires a lot of work and involvement. Some individuals may be resistant to change while others embrace it. Striking the right balance sometimes requires coaching to get a strategic plan into action. As each department completes its action plans working “on” the business, instead of “in” the business, the success of the organization will likely accelerate.
Accountability is by far one of the biggest components in successful strategy implementation. A good strategy software lets everyone see who’s responsible for what, when it’s to be completed, and at what stage of completion the task is.
For more on implementing tactical plans, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/