There’s nothing more useless than a Strategic Business plan that is viewed and understood by a select few individuals in a company. Next time you conduct an employee survey, ask how many of your staff members have seen and understand your business plan – at least a snapshot of the key elements (i.e. Strategic Goals, Mission, Vision, Values, etc.). Certainly, everyone doesn’t need, nor want, to see the financials, budgets, and other supporting data. But, they better know where the organization is headed, the primary targets and goals, and the role they play in contributing to the organization’s overall success. The results of your survey question will also help you measure employee engagement, which is critical if you expect the goals discussed in the boardroom to be carried out by those delivering services to your clients.
Now, let’s take a close look at your business plan. Is it easy for everyone to read, understand, and support? If it is too complex, large, or ambiguous, it will be rather difficult (if not impossible) to expect individuals (from the boardroom to the front line) to grasp where the company is truly headed. Our business-planning model is designed to help you develop a plan that is clear, concise, and simple to maintain. There’s really no magic to strategic planning if you keep your process simple.