1. Reflect the current situation in an honest way
Clearly and accurately identifying the current state of the organization via a SWOT analysis is a key step in strategic planning. Organizations need to have a clear and honest understanding of what is working well and areas for improvement in their organization in order to identify a realistic and achievable desired future state (vision) and to identify the objectives and the actions required to move the organization to the future state.
2. Engage those who will have a role in helping the organization achieve its mission and vision
Strategic plans get implemented by the people working in the organization. A key step in ensuring that a plan will be implemented is to identify the people who have a role to play in helping the organization achieve its mission and vision and include them in the process to develop the plan. Not only will these people take ownership of the plan and see the importance of their role in implementing it, they also have valuable information to offer on the current state of the organization, a realistic and achievable vision and the actions that can best move the organization forward.
3. Create a roadmap for action
A plan must identify the actions required to achieve the organization’s vision and mission. To be tangible, each action should have a person responsible and timeline that identifies when it can be expected to be done. Without a clear roadmap for action, the plan’s uptake and implementation will be impaired, as people won’t understand how to advance the plan via their daily work.
