Preparing to Plan for Success: 5 Questions to Get You Started

As organizations embark on strategic planning, there are a number of considerations that come to mind. This is true for “first timers” as well as tried and true planning veterans. Preparation for the planning process in a well thought out way can help ensure the outcome will lead the organization in a positive, focused direction.

Here are five questions to ask your team in preparation for a robust planning session.

1. Do we as a company have access to timely, accurate, credible research that assesses market directions, economic trends, and new business developments in our key customer segments and best industry practices?
2. Are we fully aware of (but not obsessive about) our competitor’s capabilities, their strengths and their reputation in the marketplace?
3. Do we know how our employees feel about working in, for, and with our organization (no, really!)?
4. Do we know how our customers feel about us as a key partner/supplier (no, really!)?
5. Does our employee recruitment, retention and development process ensure that we will have the talent to compete in an increasingly challenging environment?

Of course, there are many more thought assignments and open questions designed to get the planning team thinking about where the business is now and where (and how) to move forward toward a bigger, better future.

For more information on ways your organization can prepare for and benefit from a professional planning process, contact me at joe@ajstrategy.com.