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Bringing objectivity and structure to the planning process

Sets the stage and guides the organization in a common direction and provides a road map for success

We ask the hard questions and challenge conventional wisdom

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is hard work. It requires careful, objective and sometimes painful self-examination – challenging the status quo, changing behaviors, implementing new procedures and putting new systems in place. And in today’s rapidly changing business environment, leaders often find that their strategic plans need shorter time horizons and more frequent updates and reviews.

What about your organization? Is your focus in the right areas? Does everyone clearly understand the long-term goals and how to achieve them? Is your current planning horizon longer than one year? Are your annual operating plans aligned with your strategic goals?

How can a facilitator help?

An outside facilitator can bring objectivity and structure to the planning process.  Facilitators can “jump start” the process and help leaders merge competing priorities, identify unproductive behaviors and overcome obstacles to success. They can also challenge assumptions and direct leaders in a direction they may not have thought possible.

Why is it important?

Strategic planning sets the stage and guides the organization in a common direction.  Planning directs leaders to then prioritize the use of capital and human resources and assign accountability for the delivery of results in a defined period of time. It is also a way to measure success.

A good strategic plan properly implemented can:

  • Bring clarity and consensus on mission, values and vision
  • Help the organization prepare for the future
  • Help leaders anticipate and manage change
  • Improve the decision-making process
  • Align the board and staff on priorities and purpose
  • Establish expectations for employees
  • Identify organizational strengths and weaknesses
  • Analyze current systems and processes
  • Establish a culture of continuous improvement

A strategic plan provides a road map for success. Organizations that perform at the highest levels invariably have formalized strategic plans in place. Conversely, a leading cause of business failure is lack of long-range planning.

 

Why The Oliver Group?

The Oliver Group brings a unique perspective to the strategic planning process with our deep understanding of the motivational drivers of each individual on the leadership team. We ask the hard questions and challenge conventional wisdom. And we stick with you after the plan is created to assist in execution.

We can help you:
  • Create or review your organization’s mission, vision and values
  • Identify the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
  • Develop specific and measurable goals
  • Assign accountability and timing for each goal
  • Confirm internal and external customers, shareholders and strategic partners
  • Develop a balanced scorecard that addresses financial, customer, people and process goals and needs
  • Solicit buy-in, commitment and ownership of the plan from leaders
  • Develop a communication plan
  • Establish checkpoints for progress and review

The Oliver Group has helped organizations of all types and sizes with their strategic planning needs. We have the tools and processes to take on the entire plan or to augment your organization’s capabilities. We can help you take your organization from good to great.

Read our case study: Strategic Planning for utilities/construction industry