Never to Late to Think

“Let’s just do something! I don’t have time to plan…” The question (inside that statement) is, in a nutshell, “Why was I suggesting a planning session, when I could just use my expertise and suggest something—anything?” Well, I could make suggestions based on experience, but it is important that an organization define its own direction. Implementing someone else’s plan will not work, as no one understands your company like yourself and your team members.

Step Back and Plan the Plan

First, step back and look at the overall situation. Think and brainstorm what you want, this is the important first step before strategic planning. A key element in creating a successful plan is to treat planning as a project unto itself and plan the plan, by the creation of a vision and a commitment. Strategic thinking is about intuition and creativity — begin strategic thinking by answering:

What do I want for my business? What is my vision and mission?
What are my three top business goals for the next year? Five years?
How can I communicate my goals to all stakeholders?
What strategies (plan) will I use to achieve those goals?
How will I measure the plan’s success?
How will I continue to adapt the plan to allow for change?

These may not be easy questions to answer, but they lay the foundation and determine the starting point for your business and plan. It really does take time, reflection, and planning to plan…

It is so easy to get distracted in the day-to-day operations of business. Taking the time up front to identify your vision and commitment will save time in the long run — by providing a strong sense of direction for your business. Remember, a sense of direction is not only for you, but your employees, your clients and your community...

Have a great day in whatever your adventure,

To Success! To Life!
Sharon

Strategic Thinking quote

“The quality of thinking applied determines the eventual result we get!”

A printable Action Quote pdf— Strategic Thinking.pdf

The TOP 5 Success Factors of Strategic Thinking

Thinking is natural, often done without conscious thought — while strategic thinking is an advanced science. It is the ability to think rationally under pressure, to focus on positive outcomes that impact the environment, to maintain a positive attitude when all others are falling apart, to be creative and think truly out of the box, to think tactically and envision the ultimate goal —to color outside the lines...

1. Allow expansive thinking—go beyond your comfort zone. Push the boundaries of thinking, planning, doing. What is the wildest idea you can have?

2. Know the difference between what you want (outcome/vision) and how you are going to get it (plan). Define all objectives—including the ideal vision and mission. Be specific with where you are headed, and how you will know when you have "arrived."

3. Evaluate circumstances without personal bias. Separate between facts and fiction by seeking as many views as possible before making a decision.

4. Create a culture of curiosity. Develop a communication ecology to allow for comfort with the unknown by creating an organizational hierarchy to allow futuristic thinking to have a place at all levels. Those in the "trenches" are usually more aware of the realities of the situation then top management.

5. Know that there is no “quick way to enlightenment." Maintain a steady, well-balanced and practical path. One that will yield long-term results that will have a positive difference in the culture of the company, the productivity of your employees and ultimately, of course, in your bottom line.

The quality of thinking applied
determines the eventual result we get!

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