Planning and Execution

Many challenges can hinder the progress of organizational teams, including efficient processes and clear direction. These executives struggle to efficiently develop strategies that will guarantee the success of their companies. Using strategy creation tools and processes can improve planning and execution to achieve different results.

A consulting firm can help teams create powerful strategies by leveraging best-in-class methodologies. Analyzing current problems and identifying growth opportunities is the first phase. The next step is developing well-defined goals and measurable outcomes to form a comprehensive strategy. After this, you can create an action plan that details how to implement it.


A consultant firm outside the organization can be invaluable as they have experience working with other companies and offer insights. Consultants can provide new perspectives, identify areas for improvement, and help teams remain focused on their goals. Consultants can also act as mediators between team members in disputes or disagreements.


Executing a comprehensive strategy is the next step. This requires close collaboration between stakeholders and team members and ongoing monitoring of progress toward goals. Consulting firms can assist with the implementation by providing guidance and support.


Organizational teams can use strategy creation tools and processes to work together to create powerful strategies that will drive their organizations toward success. Consulting firms can help teams create and implement strategies. They provide the expertise and support required to achieve different outcomes and results.

What is the Strategic Planning Process?

Strategic planning is a systematic process of defining an organization's direction and deciding to allocate its resources to pursue this direction. It involves setting long-term goals, analyzing the competitive environment, and developing plans to achieve the desired results. The strategic planning process consists of several stages:

Internal and External Analysis

Analyze the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis), and study the competitive environment.

Mission and Vision Statements

Develop a clear mission statement that defines the organization's purpose, and a vision statement that outlines the desired future state.

Strategic Objectives

Establish long-term strategic objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Strategy Development

Formulate strategies to achieve the strategic objectives, considering the organization's competitive advantages and analyzing the potential risks and uncertainties.

Strategy Implementation

Develop an execution plan, allocate resources, and assign responsibilities for implementing the strategies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Track the progress of the strategic initiatives using key performance indicators (KPIs), and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies in achieving the strategic objectives. Adjust the strategies as needed based on the evaluation results.

How to Create a Strategic Plan?

Creating a strategic plan involves the following steps:

  1. Conduct a SWOT analysis and gather insights about the competitive environment.
  2. Develop mission and vision statements.
  3. Set strategic objectives.
  4. Formulate strategies to achieve the objectives.
  5. Develop an execution plan with detailed action items, timelines, and resource allocation.
  6. Establish KPIs to measure progress and success.
  7. Implement the plan and monitor progress regularly.
  8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make adjustments as needed.

Aligning Strategic Objectives with Business Strategy

To align strategic objectives with the overall business strategy:

  1. Ensure that the strategic objectives are consistent with the organization's mission and vision.
  2. Prioritize objectives based on the organization's competitive advantages and strategic focus areas.
  3. Involve all relevant stakeholders in the objective-setting process to ensure buy-in and alignment.
  4. Regularly review and update the strategic objectives to keep them aligned with the changing business environment.


Developing and Executing Strategic Initiatives


Developing and executing strategic initiatives involves:

  1. Identifying initiatives that support the strategic objectives and have the most significant impact on achieving them.
  2. Develop detailed action plans for each initiative, including timelines, resources, roles, and responsibilities.
  3. Aligning the initiatives with the overall business strategy and ensuring they are integrated into the organization's processes and systems.
  4. Regularly monitor the initiatives' progress and adjust as needed to keep them on track.


Tools and Techniques for Strategic Planning


Some popular tools and techniques for strategic planning include:

  1. SWOT analysis
  2. PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental)
  3. Porter's Five Forces analysis
  4. Scenario planning
  5. Balanced scorecard
  6. Gap analysis
  7. Benchmarking
  8. Business model canvas


Monitoring and Evaluating Strategy Performance


Monitoring and evaluating strategy performance involves:

  1. Establishing KPIs that measure the success of the strategic initiatives and their impact on the strategic objectives.
  2. Regularly tracking the KPIs and comparing the actual results with the planned outcomes.
  3. Conduct periodic strategy reviews to assess the effectiveness of the strategies and their alignment with the strategic objectives.
  4. Adjust the strategies as needed based on the evaluation results and any changes in the internal or external environment.


Managing Strategic Risks and Uncertainties


Effective management of strategic risks and uncertainties involves:


  1. Identifying potential risks and uncertainties that may impact the organization's ability to achieve its strategic objectives.
  2. Assessing the likelihood and potential impact of the identified risks.
  3. Developing risk mitigation plans and contingency plans to address the potential risks.
  4. Regularly monitoring and updating the risk assessment and mitigation plans to reflect changes in the internal and external environment.


Next steps


ActionStrategy can help you improve your organization's planning and execution. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a comprehensive strategy that will achieve the desired results. Your team will be well-equipped with the tools and processes necessary to develop a plan of action that is effective and successful.