Over the years we have seen many strategic plans being developed. Some good, some not so good. One of the things we have noticed is that there is a basic format for a strategic plan. The first thing that should be noted is that s strategic plan is not a business plan. Sure, a good strategic plan should contain references to financial impact and an outline of costs, but at the strategic level, these really are best guesses. Indeed, part of any strategic plan should be to ensure a business plan is created for any significant strategic initiatives/projects that are identified.
We favour the Balanced Scorecard methodology and have therefore created a Strategic Plan Template that follows this approach. We have found it provides a good outline and enough detail to take the take the mind away from document structure and place the focus on content. The Balanced Scorecard methodology forces the working team to concentrate business objectives (based on a company vision and mission) and their interconnected value. Unlike other methodologies, it is at this point in the process where measures and targets need to be identified. Only when the business objectives, measures and targets have been clearly stated do we even consider initiatives or projects. It is the success of the business objective that is the imperative.
The mistake that is often made in strategic planning is to jump straight to initiatives or projects without considering business impact carefully. The problem with this approach is that the measures tend to be based on whether or not a project has completed, this tells us nothing about business value.
The strategic plan template structure is as follows:
Vision – States the company vision
Mission – States the company mission
Core Values – The foundation upon which the company is built
Strategic Priorities – Built through an examination of company strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Combined with the output of a ‘strategy canvas’ three areas that have major significance are identified.
Strategy Map – The visualisation and interlinking of the business objectives
Business Objectives – The primary business objectives and most importantly what the intended results are. Together with measures and targets
Strategic Initiatives – And finally, the strategic initiatives and/projects required to achieve the strategy
Financial Summary – the outline costs and benefits of the strategic plan
The template also includes a set of sample data based on a typical medium to large size company. In the appendix is a sample Integrated Strategy Map, an enormously helpful internal communication tool.
If you would like a copy of the Strategic Plan Template, just send an e-mail to our helpdesk or click on the image above.
As well as selling software Intrafocus provides in-house strategy workshop facilitation and public Balanced Scorecard Professional certification classes.
