I know you’ve heard this saying before, “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail”.
But here’s the thing, it’s true!
The larger or more complex your goals are the more this adage is true.
And while I completely agree with planning, the specific strategy you employ is just as important.
It’s similar to the saying “practice makes perfect.” What we should be saying is “perfect practice makes perfect.” Right?
Taking the same approach to this planning topic, not just any plan promotes success.
Instead, a strategic plan promotes success!
Think of it with this very weak example:
I haven’t worked out for years – I mean more like a decade. I recently decided it was time to start working out again just to stay in shape.
So the first version of my plan was to spend more time actively playing in the yard with my kids and performing more manual work around the house. Hmm?
Version 1 isn’t entirely devoid of added exercise or activity. Therefore, it technically meets the requirements of increasing my “work out” from zero (near zero) to some intentional activity. But let me honest, the actual impacts on improving my long term health is probably minimal.
Version 2 of my plan became push ups and sit-ups (sometimes) – I really hate sit-ups. Now this version is actually an official workout that will result in some increased muscle tone and increased health benefit. However, it’s a very soft start and I didn’t even set a schedule for the workout. Let me summarize: push ups were seldom happening and sit ups were never happening.
Version 3 of my plan – so I basically asked a friend of one of my teenage kids what his workout routine was, because let’s face it – he could probably take me down with ease. Sometimes outsourcing is best.
I’ll update you on my progress in a couple of weeks.
But no my point is that any old plan won’t get you where you want to go. A strategic plan wins!
While the overall topic of strategy is much broader and deeper than this article will cover, everything involved in developing a strategic plan falls into 3 high level categories:
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Identify the right goal(s).
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Identify the right steps to accomplish those goals.
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Identify the right resources needed to complete the steps.
Ultimately, all strategic planning falls into these three buckets.
The remaining questions, of course, are: How do I identify the right _______? (Fill in the rest: goals, steps, resources)
That’s where collaboration comes into the picture:
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Collaboration with your team(s) – the experts on the steps and details.
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Collaboration with your leaders – those that input into overall corporate objectives since this helps in determining the goals as well.
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And sometimes collaboration with third-parties who have more experience in planning or strategy or whatever you feel your are “in the deep end” on. (eg. My kid’s friend)
A successful strategy is not built alone!
Let me know if you agree in the comments or with a like! And please comment with any other thoughts on this topic!
Thanks for reading.
