What is the first step in the strategy process?
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The strategic management approach entails more than just following a set of guidelines. It's a way of looking at business from a philosophical standpoint. Upper management must first plan strategically, then put that strategy into action. When everyone in the company understands the strategy, the strategic management process works best. Show
The five stages of the process are goal-setting, analysis, strategy formation, strategy implementation and strategy monitoring. Clarify Your VisionThe purpose of goal-setting is to clarify the vision for your business. This stage consists of identifying three key facets: First, define both short- and long-term objectives. Second, identify the process of how to accomplish your objective. Finally, customize the process for your staff, give each person a task with which he can succeed. Keep in mind during this process your goals to be detailed, realistic and match the values of your vision. The next step in this stage is usually to produce a mission statement that explains your aims to both your stockholders and your employees succinctly. Gather and Analyze InformationAnalysis is a key stage because the information gained in this stage will shape the next two stages. In this stage, gather as much information and data relevant to accomplishing your vision. The focus of the analysis should be on understanding the needs of the business as a sustainable entity, its strategic direction and identifying initiatives that will help your business grow. Examine any external or internal concerns that may have an impact on your aims and aims. Make a list of your organization's strengths and weaknesses, as well as any dangers or opportunities that may occur along the way. Formulate a StrategyThe first step in forming a strategy is to review the information gleaned from completing the analysis. Determine what resources the company currently has that can assist in achieving the set objectives and goals. Identify any places where the company will need to hire outside help. The difficulties that the company is facing should be prioritised based on how important they are to your success. Once prioritized, begin formulating the strategy. Because business and economic situations are fluid, it is critical in this stage to develop alternative approaches that target each step of the plan. Implement Your StrategySuccessful strategy implementation is critical to the success of the business venture. This is the action stage of the strategic management process. If the overall strategy does not work with the business' current structure, a new structure should be installed at the beginning of this stage. Everyone within the organization must be made clear of their responsibilities and duties, and how that fits in with the overall goal. Additionally, any resources or funding for the venture must be secured at this point. Once the funding is in place and the employees are ready, execute the plan. Evaluate and ControlStrategy evaluation and control actions include performance measurements, consistent review of internal and external issues and making corrective actions when necessary. Any successful evaluation of the strategy begins with defining the parameters to be measured. These parameters should mirror the goals set in Stage 1. Determine your progress by measuring the actual results versus the plan. Monitoring internal and external issues will also enable you to react to any substantial change in your business environment. If you determine that the strategy is not moving the company toward its goal, take corrective actions. If those actions fail, go through the strategic management process again. Because internal and external concerns are always changing, any information gathered at this point should be saved to aid future initiatives.
To assist you throughout your planning process, we have created a how-to guide on The Basics of Strategic Planning which will take you through the planning process step-by-step and keep you on track.Free Strategic Planning Guide What is Strategic Planning?Strategic Planning is a process where organizations define a bold vision and create a plan with objectives and goals to reach that future. A great strategic plan defines where your organization is going, how you’ll win, who must do what, and how you’ll review and adapt your strategy.
Overview of the complete strategic planning process:Getting Started: Strategic Planning IntroductionThe strategic management process is about getting from Point A to Point B more effectively, efficiently, and enjoying the journey and learning from it. Part of that journey is the strategy and part of it is execution. Having a good strategy dictates “how” you travel the road you have selected and effective execution makes sure you are checking in along the way. On average, this process can take between three and four months. However no one organization is alike and you may decide to fast track your process or slow it down. Move at a pace that works best for you and your team and leverage this as a resource. For more of a deep dive look into each part of the planning phase, you will see a link to the detailed How-To Guide at the top of each phase.
Phase Duration1-2 weeks (1 hr meeting with Owner/CEO, Strategy Director and Facilitator (if necessary) to discuss information collected and direction for the continued strategic planning.) Questions to Ask:
Outcome:
Action Grid:
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Step 1: Determine Organizational ReadinessSet up Your Planning Process for Success – Questions to Ask:
Step 2: Develop Your Team & ScheduleWho is going to be on your strategic planning team? You need to choose someone to oversee the implementation (Chief Strategy Officer or Strategy Director) and then you need some of the key individuals and decision makers for this team. It should be a small group of approximately 12-15 persons. Step 3: Collect Current DataCollect the following information on your organization:
Step 4:Review collected data:Review the data collected in the last action with your strategy director and facilitator.
Conclusion:  Strategic Planning Phase 1: Determine Your Strategic PositionWant More? Deep Dive Into the “Evaluate Your Strategic Position” How-To Guide. Action Grid
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Step 1: Identify Strategic IssuesStrategic issues are critical unknowns that are driving you to embark on a strategic planning process now. These issues can be problems, opportunities, market shifts or anything else that is keeping you awake at night and begging for a solution or decision. Questions to Ask:
Step 2: Conduct an Environmental ScanConducting an environmental scan will help you understand your operating environment. An environmental scan is also referred to as a PEST analysis, which is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social and Technological trends. Sometimes it is helpful to also include Ecological and Legal trends as well. All of these trends play a part in determining the overall business environment. Step 3: Conduct a Competitive AnalysisThe reason to do a competitive analysis is to assess the opportunities and threats that may occur from those organizations competing for the same business you are. You need to have an understanding of what your competitors are or aren’t offering your potential customers. Here are a few other key ways a competitive analysis fits into strategic planning:
Learn more on how to conduct a competitive analysis here. Step 4: Identify Opportunities and ThreatsOpportunities are situations that exist but must be acted on if the business is to benefit from them. What do you want to capitalize on?Questions to Ask:
Threats refer to external conditions or barriers that may prevent a company from reaching its objectives. What do you need to mitigate?Questions to Answer:
Step 5: Identify Strengths and WeaknessesStrengths refer to what your company does well. What do you want to build on?Questions to Ask:
Weaknesses refer to any limitations a company faces in developing or implementing a strategy. What do you need to shore up?Questions to Answer:
Step 6: Customer SegmentsCustomer segmentation defines the different groups of people or organizations a company aims to reach or serve. Who are we providing value to?Questions to Ask:
Step 7: Develop Your SWOT
A SWOT analysis is a quick way of examining your organization by looking at the internal strengths and weaknesses in relation to the external opportunities and threats. By creating a SWOT analysis, you can see all the important factors affecting your organization together in one place. It’s easy to read, easy to communicate, and easy to create. Take the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats you developed earlier, review, prioritize and combine like terms. The SWOT analysis helps you ask, and answer, the following questions: “How do you….”
Strategic Planning Process Phase 2: Developing StrategyWant More? Deep Dive Into the “Developing Your Strategy” How-To Guide. Action Grid
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Step 1: Develop Your Mission StatementThe mission statement describes an organization’s purpose or reason for existing. What is our purpose? Why do we exist? What do we do?Questions to Ask:
Outcome: A short, concise, concrete statement that clearly defines the scope of the organization.Step 2: Discover Your ValuesYour values statement clarifies what your organization stands for, believes in and the behaviors you expect to see as a result. How will we behave?Questions to Ask:
Outcome: Short list of 5-7 core values.Step 3: Casting Your Vision StatementA Vision Statement defines your desired future state and provides direction for where we are going as an organization. Where are we going?Questions to Ask:
Outcome: A picture of the future.Step 4: Identify Your Competitive AdvantagesA Competitive Advantage is a characteristic(s) of an organization that allows it to meet their customer’s need(s) better than their competition can. What are we best at?Questions to Ask:
Outcome: A list of 2 or 3 items that honestly express the organization’s foundation for winning.Step 5: Crafting Your Organization-Wide Strategies
Your strategies are the general methods you intend to use to reach your vision. No matter what the level, a strategy answers the question “how.” How will we succeed?Questions to Ask:
Outcome: Establish the general, umbrella methods you intend to use to reach your vision.Phase 3: Strategic Plan DevelopmentWant More? Deep Dive Into the “Build Your Plan” How-To Guide. Action Grid
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Strategic Planning Process Step 1: Use Your SWOT to Set PrioritiesIf your team wants to take the next step in the SWOT analysis, apply the TOWS Strategic Alternatives Matrix to help you think about the options that you could pursue. To do this, match external opportunities and threats with your internal strengths and weaknesses, as illustrated in the matrix below: TOWS Strategic Alternatives Matrix
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Evaluate the options you’ve generated, and identify the ones that give the greatest benefit, and that best achieve the mission and vision of your organization. Add these to the other strategic options that you’re considering. Step 2: Define Long-Term Strategic ObjectivesLong-Term Strategic Objectives are long-term, broad, continuous statements that holistically address all areas of your organization. What must we focus on to achieve our vision? What are the “big rocks”? Questions to ask:
Outcome: Framework for your plan – no more than 6
Step 3: Setting Organization-Wide Goals and MeasuresOnce you have formulated your strategic objectives, you should translate them into goals and measures that can be clearly communicated to your planning team (team leaders and/or team members). You want to set goals that convert the strategic objectives into specific performance targets. Effective goals clearly state what, when, how, and who, and they are specifically measurable. They should address what you need to do in the short-term (think 1-3 years) to achieve your strategic objectives. Organization-wide goals are annual statements that are specific, measurable, attainable, responsible and time bound. These are outcome statements expressing a result expected in the organization. What is most important right now to reach our long-term objectives?Outcome: Clear outcomes for the current year.
Step 4: Select KPIsKey Performance Indicators (KPI) are the key measures that will have the most impact in moving your organization forward. We recommend you guide your organization with measures that matter. How will we measure our success?Outcome: 5-7 measures that help you keep the pulse on your performance. When selecting your Key Performance Indicators, begin by asking “What are the key performance measures we need to track in order to monitor if we are achieving our goals?” These KPIs include the key goals that you want to measure that will have the most impact in moving your organization forward. Step 5: Cascade Your Strategies to OperationsCascading action items and to-dos for each short-term goal is where the rubber meets the road – literally. Moving from big ideas to action happens when strategy is translated from the organizational level to the individual. Here we widen the circle of the people who are involved in the planning as functional area managers and individual contributors develop their short-term goals and actions to support the organizational direction. But before you take that action, determine if you are going to develop a set of plans that cascade directly from the strategic plan, or instead if you have existing operational, business or account plans that should be synced up with organizational goals. A pitfall is to develop multiple sets of goals and actions for directors and staff to manage. Fundamentally, at this point you have moved from planning the strategy to planning the operations; from strategic planning to annual planning. That said, the only way strategy gets executed is to align resources and actions from the bottom to the top to drive your vision. Questions to Ask
Outcome:Department/functional goals, actions, measures and targets for the next 12-24 months Step 6: Cascading Goals to Departments and Team MembersNow in your Departments / Teams, you need to create goals to support the organization-wide goals. These goals should still be SMART and are generally (short-term) something to be done in the next 12-18 months. Finally, you should develop an action plan for each goal. Keep the acronym SMART in mind again when setting action items, and make sure they include start and end dates and have someone assigned their responsibility. Since these action items support your previously established goals, it may be helpful to consider action items your immediate plans on the way to achieving your (short-term) goals. In other words, identify all the actions that need to occur in the next 90 days and continue this same process every 90 days until the goal is achieved. Examples of Cascading Goals:
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Phase 4: Executing Strategy and Managing PerformanceWant More? Deep Dive Into the “Managing Performance” How-To Guide. Action Grid
*To access the worksheets under “Tools & Techniques” please refer to our Strategic Planning Kit for Dummies. Step 1: Strategic Plan Implementation ScheduleImplementation is the process that turns strategies and plans into actions in order to accomplish strategic objectives and goals. How will we use the plan as a management tool?Questions to Ask:
Outcome: Syncing your plan into the “rhythm of your business.”Once your resources are in place, you can set your implementation schedule. Use the following steps as your base implementation plan:
Now you’re ready to start plan roll-out. Below are sample implementation schedules, which double for a full strategic management process timeline.
Step 2: Tracking Goals & ActionsMonthly strategy meetings don’t need to take a lot of time – 30 to 60 minutes should suffice. But it is important that key team members report on their progress toward the goals they are responsible for – including reporting on metrics in the scorecard they have been assigned. By using the measurements already established, it’s easy to make course corrections if necessary. You should also commit to reviewing your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) during these regular meetings. Your Bi-Annual ChecklistNever lose sight of the fact that strategic plans are guidelines, not rules. Every six months or so, you should evaluate your strategy execution and plan implementation by asking these key questions:
Why Track Your Goals?
Step 3: Review & AdaptGuidelines for Your Strategy Review
Restricting the meeting to reporting on measurements can help you stay on task and keep the meeting within 30 minutes, but if you can commit to a full hour, the meeting agenda should also include some time devoted to working on one specific topic or on one of the quarter’s priorities where decisions need to be made. Once agreed upon, this topic should be developed to conclusion. Holding meetings helps focus your goals on accomplishing top priorities and accelerating growth of the organization. Although the meeting structure is relatively simple, it does require a high degree of discipline. Strategy Review Session Questions:
Step 4: Annual Updates The three words strategic planning off-site provoke reactions anywhere from sheer exuberance to ducking for cover. In many organizations, retreats have a bad reputation because stepping into one of the many planning pitfalls is so easy. Holding effective meetings can be tough, and if you add a lot of brainpower mixed with personal agendas, you can have a recipe for disaster. That’s why so many strategic planning meetings are unsuccessful. Executing your strategic plan is as important, or even more important, than your strategy. Critical actions move a strategic plan from a document that sits on the shelf to actions that drive organizational growth. The sad reality is that the majority of organizations who have strategic plans fail to implement. Don’t be part of the majority! In fact, research has shown that 70% of organizations that have a formal execution process out-perform their peers. (Kaplan & Norton) Guiding your work in this stage of the planning process is a schedule for the next 12 months that spells out when the quarterly strategy reviews are, who is involved, what participants need to bring to the meetings and how you will adapt the plan based on the outcomes of the reviews. You remain in this phase of the strategic management process until you embark on the next formal planning sessions where you start back at the beginning. Remember that successful execution of your plan relies on appointing a strategy director, training your team to use OnStrategy (or any other planning tool), effectively driving accountability, and gaining organizational commitment to the process. Strategic planning frequently asked questionsRead our Frequently Asked Questions about strategic planning to learn how to build a great strategic plan.What is strategic planning? Strategic Planning is a process where organizations define a bold vision and create a plan with objectives and goals to reach that future. A great strategic plan defines where your organization is going, how you’ll win, who must do what, and how you’ll review and adapt your strategy. What is business strategic planning? Business Strategic Planning is a process where your business defines a bold vision of the future and creates a plan to reach that future. It helps your business define where you’re going, how you’ll get there, how you’ll grow, and what you must do to reach your desired future. What should be included in a strategic plan? A great strategic plan determines where your organization is going, how you’ll win, what roles each team member has in the execution, and your game plan for reviewing and adapting your strategy. Elements include a current state analysis, SWOT, mission, vision, values, competitive advantages, growth strategy, growth enablers, a 3-year roadmap, and annual plan with goals, KPIs, and OKRs. How long does the strategic planning process take? Typically, the average strategic planning process takes about 3-4 months, but depending on your organization, it could take more or less time. Every organization is different, so you should work at a pace that works for you. What are the 4 phases in the strategic planning process? There are four overarching phases to the strategic planning process that include: determining position, developing your strategy, building your plan, and managing performance. Each phase plays a unique but distinctly crucial role in the strategic planning process. How do I know if my organization is ready to start build a strategic plan? Prior to starting your strategic plan, you must go through this pre-planning process to determine your organization’s readiness by following these steps: Ask yourself these questions: Are the conditions and criteria for successful planning in place now? Can we foresee any pitfalls that we can avoid? Is there an appropriate time for our organization to initiate this process? Develop your team and schedule. Who will oversee the implementation as Chief Strategy Officer or Director? Do we have at least 12-15 other key individuals on our team? Research and Collect Current Data. Find the following resources that your organization may have used in the past to assist you with your new plan: last strategic plan, mission, vision, and values statement, business plan, financial records, marketing plan, SWOT, sales figures, or projections. Finally, review the data with your strategy director and facilitator and ask these questions: What trends do we see? Any obvious strengths or weaknesses? Have we been following a plan or just going along with the market? What is the first phase of strategic planning? Determining your positioning entails conducting a scan of macro and micro trends in your environment and industry, identifying marketing and competitive opportunities and threats, clarifying target customers and value propositions, gathering and reviewing staff and partner feedback for strengths and weaknesses, synthesizing the data into a SWOT, and solidifying your competitive advantages. What is the second phase of strategic planning? Developing your strategy includes determining your primary business model and organizational purpose, identifying your corporate values, creating an image of what success would look like in 3-5 years, solidifying your competitive advantages, formulating organization wide-strategies that explain your base, and agreeing on strategic issues you need to address in the planning process. . What is the third phase of strategic planning? Once you get to the strategic plan development process in the planning process, you must begin developing your strategic framework and defining long-term strategic objectives, set short-term SMART organizational goals, and select the measure that will be your KPIs (key performance indicators.) What is the forth phase of strategic planning? The last phase of strategic planning is implementation, execution, and ongoing refreshes. This step entails establishing an implementation schedule, rolling out your plan, executing against your key results, and reviewing process and refreshing your plan quarterly. p> What should my execution schedule look like? The ideal execution schedule for your strategic plan will differ from team to team or organization to organization, but generally, you should try to set 4 quarterly reviews, a mid-year executive survey, 12 monthly check-ins, and a year-end plan review and annual refresh. What is the first step of strategy?The first step is to define the vision, mission, and values statements of the organization. This is done in combination with the external analysis of the business environment (PESTEL) and internal analysis of the organization (SWOT).
What is the 5 step process for strategy?5 steps of the strategic planning process. Determine your strategic position.. Prioritize your objectives.. Develop a strategic plan.. Execute and manage your plan.. Review and revise the plan.. What is the first step in a strategic analysis process?There are five parts to any strategic analysis process:. Step 1: Know your goals. You need to clarify your vision before you do anything. ... . Step 2: Collect and analyze the information. ... . Step 3: Construct a strategy. ... . Step 4: Implement your strategy. ... . Step 5: Evaluate and control.. What are the 4 strategic process?The four phases of strategic management are formulation, implementation, evaluation and modification.
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