Tag: Mary Sand
Strategic Planning: Devote time to implementation
August 3, 2022Mary Sand
Q. Once I have a strategic plan, how do I implement it?
A. I often see organizations devote time to strategic planning with everyone energized about the possibilities ahead and committed to new goals. Unfortunately, the daily demands of operating the business can interfere with the leader’s ability to implement their new plan. A few simple steps done at the beginning of the implementation phase lay the foundation for a successful implementation.
Begin...
Strategic Planning: Plan well, go FAR
July 8, 2022Mary Sand
Q. What pitfalls should I avoid when creating a strategic plan?
A. Once you’ve committed to a strategic planning session and have assembled the key stakeholders to engage in the process, there a few recommendations to keep the planning on track. Use the acronym FAR as a guide.
Focus
A lack of focus can be disguised in many forms; examples include having too many goals and having ideas that are too big. Trying to accomplish too many goals leads to little progress on any of them....
Strategic planning: Think beyond the obvious
June 7, 2022Mary Sand
Q. What do I need to consider for an effective strategic planning session?
A. Once you decide it’s time to conduct strategic planning, there are three questions to ask yourself:
Am I updating an existing plan or starting with a blank slate?
Who are the key stakeholders to include in the planning?
Should I have an external facilitator lead the planning?
If you have a strategic plan that is still relevant, then focus on updates and...
Strategic Planning: Be intentional with priorities
May 9, 2022Mary Sand
Q. Why bother with strategic planning?
A. Are you familiar with the carnival game, “Whack a Mole”? In this game, you hold a mallet while looking at a board with five holes. Each hole contains a mechanical mole ready to pop up in a random order. Whichever mole pops up, you try to hit it before it disappears. It’s exhausting, as the repetition leaves you with little satisfaction.
Do you have days at work when you feel like all you’ve...