“When people talk to themselves, it’s called insanity. When organizations talked to themselves, it’s called Strategic Planning.”
Most ‘Strategic Plans’ are INTERNAL… where we are literally talking to ourselves! They are a work of fiction usually prepared by left-brain, accountant types who love outlines, charts, 5-year projections, etc.
If you’re looking for an undecipherable, unimaginative, unread, super thick binder to use as a bookend or a doorstop… then, by all means, do a ‘STRATEGIC PLAN’!
“EVERYBODY HAS A ‘PLAN’ UNTIL FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY.”
—Sun Tzu
“EVERYBODY HAS A PLAN UNTIL THEY GET HIT.”
—Leon Spinks
“MAN PLANS. GOD LAUGHS.”
P.S. I feel the same way about ‘Business Plans’, but I’ll save that rant for
another day.
THE ALTERNATIVE:
START WITH A 1,000-DAY ACTION PLAN.
There is too much to do… too many lives to save and impact…
to get caught up in ‘strategery’.
If you really, really want to achieve your Vision, fulfill your Mission, live
your Message… then prepare an ACTION PLAN that will provide focus and
direction for the next 1,000 Days (11 Quarters, 33 Months, almost 3 Years).
Include 90-Day Goals and Priorities. Monthly Checklists and Measurement.
Annual Celebrations.
P.S. Match this with a 1,000-Day FUNDING PLAN and you will be on your
way to success.