Benefits of a Strategic Planning Session
[How a Single Day Can Make a Difference]
“People in any organization are always attached to the obsolete - the things that should have worked but did not, the things that once were productive and no longer are.” - Peter Drucker
“I came into this feeling overwhelmed. Now I know there is a lot to do, but I know that we can get there”, one owner told me at the end of the day.
My reply:
“It’s about clarity — having a path and a believable plan. Today we defined a path to get you pointed toward strategic thinking, not being strategic, but it’s where you are. And, remember, I guaranteed that you would feel better about the business by the end of the day.”
Most business owners don’t think a strategy can be created in a day, but that is really a sign that the owner isn’t sure about the payback of disrupting a day.
By the way, I have had more than a few business owners tell me that these planning days should be early in the week instead of on Fridays (which is often common), so that the energy from the day isn’t lost over the weekend.
Another concern is that it's likely that a business has "tried it before."
You know, those “three-day retreats” to create a strategy that ignored a fundamental point — the business may not be ready to be strategic; not in a position to take steps toward its vision.
I understand the doubt that the plan can be done in a single day, but I have facilitated over 100 Planning Days. I get results as long as you and your team are willing to work hard and have open, honest conversations about the direction of the business.
Here is my definition of what a strategic plan is:
A strategic plan is a concise document that defines specific outcomes and due dates with a system of accountability to ensure proper implementation and success. Planning starts to be considered a perpetual process rather than a project.
But how do we get there?
A strategic planning session is all about open, and honest communication. Throughout the day, there are four main goals: define reality, inspire with a vision, identify the gaps and create a plan for accountability (or at least the start of one).
Taking the Time to Define Reality
Most of the day is spent defining reality — it’s not always pleasant, but it must be done.
With the right facilitator, the participants can provide candid observations of the company’s performance in the eyes of its customers. Every company has strengths and weaknesses. It is the responsibility of the team to define what it does well and where it needs to improve in a team atmosphere. The leaders have to be clear on the reality so that the company can adjust to the market changes.
Understanding the reality — the company’s current business model — must be understood in order to know what needs to change.
You and the team must discuss the current business model to make sure that it is relevant, and it supports the vision. If the company has relied on the same strengths for the past five years, you might be set up for disruption.
- How long did taxis try to avoid the reality of Uber and other ride-sharing companies?
- What is GrubHub doing to restaurants that rely on table turns each night?
- What is disrupting your business?
My guess is that your team has some very interesting thoughts on the topic.
5 Benefits of Strategic Planning
Typical Response from an Online Search
Benefits I See for Your Company
Can you see the difference?
Instead of being vague, I stress concrete and actionable benefits. It all boils down to clarity. The common thread between the main benefits, as I see them, is that a strategic planning session brings the entire team together, on the same page, with a clear vision for the future — with open lines of communication and understanding that the process will be on-going.
Defining the reality can be tough but also liberating.
It may be the first time that your group has had a candid discussion of the company. This discussion never gets personal and remains focused on the company.
Check out this case study to learn more about the difference a day can make.
Getting Everyone Inspired with a Vision for Future
Taking a close look at where the business is, and defining the true reality of things will leave your group wondering about the next steps.
And during the day, we do talk about the future —a company vision that is believable because it is achievable — the essence of where you think the business can go. Its future.
The vision is inspiring for you and your employees and guides the organization.
We really can’t spend a lot of time on this section, so we talk about it in advance so that we get a working model for the team to consider.
Working Together to Identify the Gaps in the Business
Then, we have the gap — the difference between where the company is (its reality) and where it wants to go (its vision).
We identify the priorities and action steps required to close the gap and include accountability measures to ensure success. This is the plan, but this is also where many companies fail to implement – you and your staff go back to work, back into the daily routine.
The critical function of this day is to bring your team together and decide how to improve and change to reach the vision for the future.
The accountability measures are simple but require discipline from you — a commitment to manage the process so that the daily routine doesn’t pull everyone down.
Moving Forward with a Clear Path and Accountability
By the end of the day, you and your team are clear about the path and understand where you can build and what needs to be fixed or improved.
The greatest benefit may be that everyone in the room understands that without accountability, the plan will fail.
The system of accountability is a collaborative effort so that your team is driving the process and responsibility is not dumped on someone, like you.
In the end, this planning day creates the foundation for planning to be considered a perpetual process rather than a project.
Results in a Day!
Not ready for a long-term engagement but still need help with getting your business headed in the right direction? Then a one-day, strategic planning session with you and your staff is the way to go.
