8 TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN ALIVE

As humans, we do reasonably well when it comes to planning ahead, setting goals,

yearly resolutions, fitness objectives, etc, but one thing we often lack is the ability to
follow through or implement. Similarly, as an organisation or an entity; either as big as a
nation or as small as an entrepreneurship business, we tend to set objectives that will
drive how we progress either in meeting the needs of electorates or expectations of
stakeholders. However, we still get plagued with the inability to implement our
wonderful plans.
I am from Nigeria, and I can tell you we are not short
of great plans. From the Vision 2020, Nigeria
Infrastructure
Master
Plan,
Agricultural
Transformational Agenda, 7 Point Agenda, 5 Point
Agenda, the list goes on and on. I have had the
opportunity to read most of these documents which
are brimming with shining hope for the nation. The
only silent question that brushes through my mind after digesting the elaborate pages is
would it ever be done?
It is all too common within organisations, for a select group of individuals to spend
hours or days in a nice fancy location, with the aim of strategising on how to move the
organisation forward, achieve certain concrete objectives and address key issues. Its one
thing to come up with great strategies and goals but its quite another to actually get
them done. This is what is typically called the Execution Gap.
The following tips touch on key elements that affect the level of implementation of any
strategic plan:
1. Lead by example: As a leader, you are a critical piece to the successful
implementation of the organisations strategic plan. Showing commitment and
continuously communicating about the various elements of the plan are very
important. Leadership display of commitment to agreed initiatives, actions and
decisions determines if any strategic plan would have a chance of staying alive.
2. Elicit support from everyone: The involvement of every team member from the
onset and getting them engaged in the strategic planning process is very
important for buy-in. Assign team members the responsibility of contributing to
the success of at least one or three or five goals. Each person should be able to
see how they contribute to the success of the plan.

3. Task someone with the responsibility of managing the plan: This person who
will be the one to communicate the plan, track progress, update the plan and
facilitate the strategy meeting. This is an important function and is ultimately
accountable for ensuring that actions and decisions are taken in accordance with
the plan.
4. Keep it simple and clear: Simplicity eliminates complications and ambiguity. It
should be able to clearly state where you are as an organisation (mission), where
you are going (vision) and how you are going to get there (objectives and goals).
With this, everyone can clearly see the direction of the organisation. It also lets
everyone know what the focus of the organisation is and what it is not. Once it is
read by anyone in the organisation, they should be able to understand it.
5. Have a summary: Creating a summarised one-page version of the plan that
people can look at quickly and see what the focus of the organisation is, without
having to dig through and get lost in mass of words and numbers.
6. Use a tracking mechanism: It is advisable to use a scorecard to monitor
progress and achievements against the set goals. This involves setting
performance targets and key performance indicators for each goal.
7. Hold monthly review meetings: Yes, have monthly strategy review meetings!
This may simply involve converting a regular meeting into a session, where all
that is discussed is the plan and everyone reports on their accomplishments.
Feedback on progress and accomplishments against the plan can be limited to
two minutes each, if the meeting is well structured. However, an appointed
person should let all involved know from the start, when, how often and review
meetings would take place during the planning period.
8. Incentivise the plan and celebrate: Attach some incentives to make it exciting.
Everyone loves to be gratified in some shape or form. It could be with time off,
presents, accolades, developmental privileges, etc.
I can assure you that if you follow these tips, your plan will not die the usual way; death
by dust on the shelf. Happy execution!!

About the Author:

This article was written by Kunle Awolowo. He is currently a Senior
Consultant with Phillips Consultings Business Advisory Service practice.
Kunle has over 10 years experience in project management, strategy
formulation, research, performance management, business process reengineering, execution management and the application of the
PRINCE2 methodology. He has consulted for government, private and
public enterprises in oil & gas, financial services, telecommunications and service
industries.
These opportunities have continued to build his capacity and commitment to delivering
superior solutions to clients. He is also a passionate facilitator who also takes on
photography in his spare time.