Strategic Leadership - The Personal Strategic Plan

Once he was leading an organization that was unfamiliar with the process of strategic planning. Since this organization was brand new, there were a number of things that needed to be done. I did not feel it was appropriate to begin the process immediately, for one thing my entire leadership team was not in place yet. I wanted to make everyone think, though, so I created my own personal strategic plan, complete with mission, values ​​and goals. I posted the plan on the wall of my office and made a point of reference and clearly strive to achieve my goals. When we begin the process of strategic planning organization, everyone already knew what I was thinking and, above all, that I was serious about planning.

Leaders should always create your own personal strategic plan to produce a first groped for the organization. When you meet the management team and start the process, you must have a good idea of ​​what you feel is important. This does not mean that you write up the organization before you begin planning sessions. Does that mean they consider their own plan and know where you want to lead. This is particularly critical for three elements.

First, the vision and mission statements. The vision statement belongs to the manager and it is important that he or she will know and be able to articulate this vision. Similarly, the leader should have a good idea of ​​the mission of the organization. I know this sounds obvious, but I'm always amazed at the number of animals that have never really considered all aspects of the mission. Although the best mission statements come from a team approach, managers must have given their high level view of the first mission.

Secondly, the manager should absolutely evaluate its values ​​before meeting with the team. I can not overstate the importance of personal values. E 'essential in any organization is not only the values ​​of the state, but to live by them. As a senior leader, the ability to state clearly and succinctly your values, and of course join in yourself, will provide an excellent starting point for the team's efforts.

Thirdly, you should have a defined set of personal goals. These may or may not be the targets for the entire organization, but you must know where you are going personally. You can keep them for themselves or not, as you see fit. By defining your personal goals, will be more willing to consider the organization's objectives.

I was primarily addressing organization leader here, but a personal strategic plan is important at all levels of leadership. Each leader must individually complete the process. In fact, when I play or contribute to strategic planning sessions, team members have always come to every task of meeting with their ideas for each part of the plan.

A very important point to keep in mind. Just as the plan of organization is a living document, subject to change as situations change, we must be flexible in its plane. Plan the organization will be created by a team of leadership. This team approach ensures a more comprehensive all aspects of the organization are represented. The team is of vital importance in creating a plan of great skill, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. After that the management team has completed the organization's strategic plan, you will probably find your plan must be modified. This is fine, you must be willing to change your plan. I never had a planning session where someone has an "Ah Ha" moment when they feel someone else's idea and wish they had thought. Everyone comes away with a better understanding of themselves and the organization.

A strategic plan is not only an individual basis for your success, but also significantly improve its leadership, or contributions, the board of directors of the organization. Not only will you earn in your self-improvement, but you'll also be able to produce a winning plan for the entire organization....