In his book “Human Resource Champions,” Dave Ulrich (1997) notes that most traditional strategic plans receive “bookshelf burials” long before the plans (often times very well thought out plans) are ever implemented. I see this unfortunate phenomenon occur all too often in my work with organizations. Perhaps you too have put your time and effort into a strategic planning effort that has fallen short of your original expectations. I have developed a phased approach to strategic planning called Intentional Futuring that:

Puts equal weight on strategy development & real implementation plans. Considers alternative possible futures before deciding on the organization’s definitive desired future. Understands that organizational leaders need to have an in depth knowledge of their organizations’ current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats before engaging in strategy design. Engages as many people in the organization as feasible. Builds a decision making tool for use after strategies are designed. Helps emphasize the need for balancing strategy creation and implementation with the need to continually be aware of changes within and outside the organization.

Click below to download an article I wrote that was published on-line regarding a successful strategic planning effort: click here to download file