Business Problem-Solving and Strategy

4Create a Plan of Action

Once the strategy is broken down into something feasible, we need to compile it into a plan of action in order to get it moving. A plan of action is made up of a master plan that oversees the whole project and an action plan detailing each measure meticulously.

The Master Plan: The Plan of Action for Strategic Execution

A master plan is a broad plan for the strategy to be carried out. This serves as a guideline for the strategy execution from this point on. A master plan should have an ultimate goal of the plan and a road map of how the strategy should be implemented.

There needs to be an ultimate goal so everyone involved can visualize the direction and destination of the strategy. The master plan has to reiterate this goal.

The ultimate goal will show a clear vision for the company or organization and a clear direction in the decision‐making. It has to be feasible, simple, and easy to understand. Set numerical goals that are challenging and stretch your limit, but at the same time, also be realistic enough to be supported by the strategy and its measures.

A “road map” is a guide map to the goal or the vision you are aiming for, identifying the directions and steps to take. If this road map is insufficient or wrong, you'll never make it to the goal. ...