Having a clear picture of where you want to go and how you’re going to get there is what strategic planning is all about. You need to set realistic goals and timeframes to enable you to achieve your vision. A clear strategic plan can also ensure your organisation’s resources are used effectively by focusing on your key business priorities.
 
You need to have:

• A clear vision of where your organisation is going – how will you get there and what do you need to do so?
• SMART (Specific, Measurable, Agreed, attainable and achievable, Realistic and resourced, Time bound) objectives that give clear milestones along the way.
• A clear and concise plan that everyone can understand – ensuring your plan is straightforward and free of jargon will ensure it can be easily shared with stakeholders.
• Buy-in from your people, so that they understand and are committed to the plan.
• A process for reviewing and updating your plan on an ongoing basis, so that it is a working document, not something which gets left in drawer.

For more information on how Investors in People can help you to improve your strategic planning, register for Interactive here.

Interactive is a free online advice tool which provides a wide range of downloads of good practice, case studies, hints and tips and other materials relevant to any organisation wishing to improve their business.