Organization Corner: Implementing the Strategic Plan

From Success Strategies:

http://www.atlanticconsultants.com/success-strategies/03-february.htm

Strategic planning, when done correctly, embodies the heart, soul, and hope of the company. Input from all corners of the company coalesce into the mission, vision, values, goals, and strategic focus of the company. Contributors sacrifice time and energy to set future direction. Now the work begins.

In order to transform a strategic plan from a dormant document to a living instrument, the energy has to be constantly galvanized at this point. How can leaders create a sense of urgency, excitement, and commitment throughout the company? Below are suggestions for keeping staff focused on the plan

Tell them the plan
Show them the plan
Work the plan
Inspire a call for action
Align corporate and department values, vision, mission, and goals
Align individual performance goals around department and company goals
Develop a matrix that rewards individual and team/department goal achievement depending on your values
Train and coach your managers to motivate and coach their staff toward the shared vision/mission
Anticipate resistance
Identify WIFM (What's In It For Me) to engage them in the completion of the plan
Develop ways to create buy-in
Motivate them to make a difference in the plan achievement
Create visuals that reinforce your goals, milestones, and steps in achieving the plan
Measure success and re-tweak quarterly
Identify quick wins
Celebrate successes
Reassess and redevelop new strategic plans
Communicate, communicate, communicate