Is strategic planning dead?

It seems that every time we start a planning process, someone on the board or staff sends a link to an article that declares that strategic planning is dead. Too archaic. Not fast past enough. Too long a planning horizon.

Well, saying strategic planning is dead sure makes a great headline.

But, no, strategic planning is not dead.  Though we have seen plans we’d like to kill.

Can you be the master of your fate without strategy? 

Yes, your organization needs to be flexible, adaptive and responsive to changes in your environment. But that’s not an excuse for never planning.

Too many plans are heavy on the operational details, really more of a business plan that prioritize tactics for strategy.

Here are a five posts to guide your way to producing plans that matter.

1. Strategic planning is all about your thinking

Seeking out data, talking to others, grappling with questions, pursuing answers, creating frameworks, crunching numbers — that is the strategic planning. The written report is just the codification. Here are a few questions to spark your thinking.

2. Clarify your logic model

We are logic model fanatics. Well, kind of. We love them because they put down on paper all of the assumptions your organization is making about how your will create the change you want to see in the world. Surprise! You weren’t all in alignment. Now you can be.

3. Stress test your plan

We are always grateful when board members push hard on plans. What if we stress test a recent decision against the plan framework? he asked. Here’s how that worked.

4. Speaking of board members, when should they be involved?

Beginning, middle, end? All along the way? Really, there is no one right answer. Here are some ideas to help you assess what is right for you.

5. Five must haves for your strategic planning to produce action

Finally, bringing your plan to life requires more than just good thinking. Here’s what else you’ll need.