Prepare Your Team for the New Year

Nov 20, 2017 | Strategic Planning, WBS

Is your team prepared for the New Year? Are they clear and aligned so they’re better able to work together instead of frustrating one another? Do they know what to stop doing and what to start? Are they looking forward to the new year or are they just…blah? If you already have a decent strategic plan that’s provided guidance and structure for you and your team, preparing for the new year doesn’t need to be a big production or a major event. I know that sounds strange coming from someone who...

Use the Strategic Plan as a Daily Management Tool

May 27, 2014 | Strategic Planning

Keep in mind, when you use the strategic plan as a daily management tool... The Vision is "The Big Goal." It's THE thing you are working to achieve together. The Mission explains what you do as an organization. The Values are "The House Rules." As long as employees take paychecks from your organization, they - by default - are bound to abide by the values. If they don't like the values, fine. They need to find someplace else to work. The Strategic Goals are the big projects that need to occur...

Now’s the Time for Success

Dec 27, 2011 | Strategic Planning

If your organization is like most, the added pressures of employee vacation schedules can compound stretched-to-the-limit holiday work requirements. With some employees out of the office on vacation, some trying to cover the work of those who are on leave, and others trying to get caught up when they return, there’s a direct impact on the focus and efficiency of your organization. Because of this natural cycle that hits many companies every year, it’s critical that you regroup now with your...

Let’s Talk Visions First – Then Missions

Aug 11, 2011 | Strategic Planning, WBS

The vision and mission are two separate and distinct components of your most important leadership tool: the strategic plan. And unlike many others who work in strategic planning, I'm a stickler when it comes to clients understanding the purpose of a vision statement and a mission statement. When someone says, “I don’t care what you call it: mission or vision—they mean the same thing.” My response is, “No they don't. They serve two very different roles in the plan, for the leadership team, and...

What’s It All For?

Jun 22, 2011 | Strategic Planning

Yesterday after giving a speech on leadership, I had lunch with several business owners. All of their businesses generate revenues of $5Million to $50Million in annual revenues. These are small but substantial businesses with 50-200 employees each - not solo-entrepreneurs. During my presentation, I had noticed most of the audience members taking notes, nodding, or otherwise paying close attention to my comments on strategic planning, leadership styles, and organizational development. So it was...