Introduction to Strategic Planning

Importance of Having a Strategy

• Developing Strategy Takes Time and Resources
  • Requires commitment from highly paid and experienced personnel.
  • Poor planning can be worse than no planning at all.
  • Recognizing the critical need for strategy is essential for long-term success.

Who We Are

• Michael Wilkinson, Founder of Leadership Strategies
  • Professional facilitators aiding organizations in developing and implementing strategic plans.
  • Introduced the Driver's Model from the book "The Executive Guide to Facilitating Strategy."

Five Reasons to Plan

1. Sets Direction and Establishes Priorities

   • Defines the organization’s view of success.
   • Outlines priority activities to turn this vision into reality.
   • Ensures that key initiatives receive the attention they deserve.

2. Aligns Organization

   • Brings departments together towards common goals.
   • Avoids fragmentation in efforts across operations, sales, marketing, etc.

3. Simplifies Decision Making

   • Helps leadership teams to prioritize initiatives.
   • Makes it easier to decline distractions that deviate from main focus.

4. Drives Alignment

   • Ensures resources align with strategic priorities.
   • Prevents efforts from being misdirected into less impactful areas.

5. Clarifies and Communicates the Message

   • Helps articulate the strategy beyond the leaders’ thoughts.
   • Enhances understanding among staff, suppliers, and customers for better support.

Summary

• Need for Strategy

  • Sets direction and priorities
  • Aligns the organization
  • Simplifies decision-making
  • Drives alignment
  • Clarifies and communicates the message

• Leadership Strategies

  • Experienced in helping organizations develop successful strategic plans.