In the article, Ashforth equates workgroups to small tribal units that function as teams. Close teams functions better and get better results. Group members have a sense of belonging, know where assisitance is needed and have better communication even with fluid work locations.
"...an organization's chances of achieving its big goals and initiatives depends on how these goals are perceived through the lens of the tribe, and how that tribe interprets and acts on them." (read the entire article)
And the point here is that as you plan, always keep in mind that the tribe must execute the plan. You need buy in.
OK. You are ready to develop your strategic plan.
1. Find a quiet place (alone or with a carefully picked core group). Usually away from the office.
2. Bring beverages and snacks, pads, pens, markers and paper, all reports on the status of the business, laptops and anything you require for uninterrupted, sustained thought.
3. Begin
Strategic planning requires the examination of four areas:
1. Where are you now?
2. What resources do you have to work with currently?
3. Where do you want to be?
4. How do you get from here to there?
1. Where are you now?
Current financials
Sales numbers
Sales costs
Sales cycle
Sales People
Products
Services
Web presence and stats
Morale
Public Persona
2. What resources do you have to work with currently?
Budget
War Chest
Buildings
Offices
Workspaces
Computers
Website
People
Employees
Contractors
Management
Sales
Support
Products
current inventory
3. Where do you want to be?
Take your list from number one.
What should no longer be on the list?
(ie. service that drains the organization of time and talent)
What should be addded?
(ie. new product, additional sales person, more advertising)
Define the new goals and targets (be specific)
4. How do you get from here to there?
Take a really deep breathe at this point.
Now let all the information you have been working with flow and brainstorm.
Write down all thoughts and possibilities.
Once this is completed;
Return to the list of where you want to be (3)
Look at how you will reallocate your resources to accomplish the new goals.
Where can you cut costs?
Where do you need to spend more?
Then, create a timeline (using software, a white board or a big sheet of paper.)
Map out the "How to" of how you get there over the timeline.
Wow! Great work.
Colleen Gildea
colleen@interbiznet.com
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