Do’s and Don’ts in Strategic Planning

Source: Partner Insights

PI, prepared by consultant August Aquila, has a useful checklist for what to do and not do in your strategic planning process. Here are some highlights:

• Limit your goals to one page.
• Before setting a goal or developing an action plan step, make sure it is consistent with the firm’s mission—what the firm wants to do or be.
• Develop measurement methods for every goal or tactic.
• Measure quality as well as quantity.
• Provide the training and resources that enable your people to perform the engagement.
• Determine the causes of poor performance.

• Do something because you have always done it that way.
• Leap at a solution or tactic. (Use brainstorming first to create a list of every possible idea your team can think of.)
• Decide on a solution or task before the mission and goals are clear.
• Avoid measuring because it is too difficult.
• Measure productivity because it is easy. (It doesn’t indicate whether clients are satisfied. Focus on quality, which increases productivity.)
• Delegate without providing the direction and support to get the job done, or without accountability.
• Play the blame game. (When something doesn’t work, find out why, and develop a new plan.)

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