Strategic planning is a powerful tool to help organizations develop a clear roadmap for the future. Yet far too often – even after significant investment of resources in their development – strategic plans can end up gathering dust on a shelf. The good news is Clarus can help organizations develop plans that have traction and lead to transformational results. Let’s look at the reasons strategic plans often stay shelved and strategies for creating and implementing a successful plan.
Top 10 Reasons Strategic Plans Fail
- Leadership isn’t fully committed to the planning process
- The plan isn’t communicated properly across the organization
- Failure to use the plan as a management tool, so people don’t see how their work is connected to the priorities
- The plan isn’t aligned with budget and other key organizational initiatives
- The right people aren’t involved in planning or implementation
- Unrealistic goals are established or there is a lack of focus
- Allocating insufficient time and capacity, or failure to account for “business as usual”
- Lack of dedicated implementation resources
- Lack of accountability and follow-through
- Not focusing on results
How to Create and Implement a Successful Strategic Plan
Here are a few ways Clarus helps organizations ensure their plans are successful:
- Readiness: We ensure leadership is aligned and committed to the strategic planning process from the start.
- Communication: We develop impactful communication messages and delivery strategies to foster alignment and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement: We design the planning process to ensure the right people, perspectives, and insights are included.
- Capacity & Implementation: We serve as a trusted partner and extension of the client’s team leveraging collective strengths, experience, and creativity. We also work to build capacity within the organization, creating and supporting successful and sustainable processes.
To learn more about Clarus, our services, and how we can help your organization, please contact us now.
