As I was getting ready to kick-off the preliminary strategic planning project meeting with a government client, I heard a tenured executive mumble, “Why bother planning? The plan always changes and we never end up doing what we originally planned.”
“Why bother planning? The plan always changes and we never end up doing what we originally planned.”
Good! That’s exactly what we want to happen. Why? The best strategic plans are dynamic and evolve to drive change wisely as events unfold and new scenarios arise. It’s impossible to plan correctly for every scenario over a multi-year strategic plan timeframe. So believing you can create the perfect plan that will not need to be changed or modified is unrealistic. Honestly, it’s foolish to even want that. Sticking to a plan regardless of shifting priorities, competitor challenges, regulatory and environmental shifts, political and societal concerns, and other factors is ridiculous. Why hold onto something that’s no longer relevant to your current and future state?
Why hold onto something that’s no longer relevant to your current and future state?
Strategic plans are frameworks. They’re roadmaps. Good strategic plans are reviewed regularly, updated frequently, and shared with those responsible for their implementation and with those impacted. Once and done plans are stagnant. They’re dead and most often, forgotten.
Good strategic plans are reviewed regularly, updated frequently, and shared with those responsible for their implementation and with those impacted.
This is why I meet with all of my strategic planning clients at least quarterly. These regular gatherings allow busy, and sometimes, overwhelmed leaders to lift their heads from their day-to-day activities, revise priorities and strategies, and proactively plan their futures.
Without regular, dedicated review sessions, doing what you’ve always done, or simply doing what’s on the plan, wastes precious time, money, and resources – and energy.
So why bother planning? Even though it will change, it will save you time, money, and frustration. Without a plan, you’re more likely to be reactive, impulsive, and wasteful. With a plan, you’re more likely to create an aligned plan collectively that you can build out and alter as time, needs, and life determine what you need to do to lead your team – strategically into the future.
Copyright MMXXVI – Liz Weber, CMC, CSP – Weber Business Services, LLC – www.WBSLLC.com +1.717.597.8890 Liz Weber is an advisor to boards of directors, business owners, and C-Suite leaders. She’s a leadership, strategic and succession planning consultant, keynote speaker, and author. Learn more on LinkedIn.
