Strategic Planning Kit For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Taking a Look at the Strategic Planning Process and Time Frame

In order to put a plan together that gets you from Point A to Point B effectively and efficiently, you need a system in place to help you achieve the end result. This process is continuous and cyclical, and in a disciplined mode, it requires a focus and pattern to stay on track and be productive while enjoying the journey along the way and learning from it. Having a good strategy dictates how you travel the road you've selected, and effective execution makes sure that you're checking in along the way. Planners take a critical, unbiased look at what has worked before and what hasn't. Gather info from any past planning experiences and use this section to help you run a smooth planning process.

No two companies are alike, and no two strategic planning processes are the same. In this section, you find the six phases necessary to create and execute a successful strategic plan. On average, this process can take between three and four months. However, 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 process as a resource. No matter how it works for your company, remember that the process is continuous, not linear (see Figure 3-2).

Figure 3-2: The strategic planning process is a continuous process.

The following sections provide an overview of ...