In traditional new years’ style, we are dreaming of all we wish to accomplish with this fresh start – listing off each goal with bright eyes and an overwhelming sense of motivation. These goals tend to range from personal to professional, from mental to physical health, with tiny habit changes and baby steps in-between. In doing so, we begin to reflect on the year passed – but how effectively are we doing so? Are we combing through every goal we have set prior, checking off boxes? What about the objectives that fell short – what went wrong?
So what is the best way to manage the never ending list of questions and doubts, assessing the past and preparing for the future, especially when it comes to the workplace? Strategic planning – which can be defined as “an organizational management activity that is used to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working toward common goals, establish agreement around intended outcomes/results, and assess and adjust the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment” (“Basics of Strategic Planning, Strategic Management and Strategy Execution,” n.d.). This can be as simple as getting your team together, having an open discussion about priorities and diarizing each point.
When setting new goals and beginning the strategic planning process, it is important to first understand why the goal needs to be a priority. Consider the following:
- What positive impact will this have if accomplished?
- What consequences will there be if unaccomplished?
- Is this realistic?
After the why has been established, it is time to tackle the how:
- What resources are necessary to accomplish this?
- When does this need to be accomplished by?
- Who needs to be involved to accomplish this?
One solution to ensure objectives are being met is holding yourself and those involved accountable – tracking progress and holding regular check-in meetings is a great way to follow-up on any developments, good or bad. So lean in, engage in the discussion and own your accountabilities – watch 2019 be your most productive year yet!
The Basics of Strategic Planning, Strategic Management and Strategy Execution. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSC-Basics/Strategic-Planning-Basics