Strategic planning for leaders – who should be involved?

The strategic planning process helps an organisation clarify, consolidate, or establish its strategic framework. Embedded in the strategic framework are the values and vision of the organisation.

Because of this, it is important to involve the whole organisation in at least part of the planning process. The two key questions here are who should participate in the strategic planning process and who should facilitate the strategic planning process?

Here are ThinkTalent’s recommendations on who should be involved in the various phases:

Planning the Process and Understanding the Context

While planning the process, the management team of the project or organisation should be involved. However, in order to understand the overall context of what is required, all staff should be involved, including board members and administrative staff, if it is important for them to understand the organisation’s issues and problems.

Vision, Values, and Mission Discussion

Here again, it is very important to involve all staff in this discussion as it is likely to provide a set of operating principles – in other words – to make it clear why people who work in the organisation are expected to work and behave in a certain way.

SWOT Review

Professional staff should be invited to participate for this part of the planning process; include administrative staff in the discussions around internal strengths and weaknesses.

Strategic Options, Goals, and Structure

Once the strategic framework is in place, then all staff should be taken through this. Allow time to ask questions and get clarification, preferably in the smaller units or departments within which they work.

ThinkTalent is a corporate HR, training, mentorship, and coaching specialist. We can help your organisation set up an optimized strategic planning process to benefit the overall structure of your company and projects. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Get in contact with us today to discuss how we can help you achieve excellence through people.