For those organizations whose fiscal year aligns with the calendar year, you are likely preparing and/or launching your objectives and goals for the new year. This involves several key steps:
- Developing a direction statement for the organization – simple and concise, providing focus for the year
- Developing (measurable) strategic objectives and initiatives for the organization
- Developing priorities and goals to determine what and when things must be done
This sounds simple and it is. The key is in being explicit (clearly written leaving nothing implied), gaining alignment (ensuring understanding) and communication (multiple times, in multiple ways). Once strategic initiatives are implemented, business units, teams and individuals within the organization will translate these strategic objectives into applicable priorities or goals that support the overall objectives.
Developing objectives and goals are dependent upon and should align to the organization’s core values, mission, and vision, which serve as the guiding principles for its operations and decision-making. Additional factors to consider when setting annual objectives and goals:
- Mission/Vision – review the organization’s current mission and vision statements; the mission is the basic purpose of the organization, and the vision provides a high-level forward-looking goal that inspires and directs the toward long-term aspirations.
- Organizational Assessment - management reviews the organization’s strengths and weaknesses to establish a planning base (SWOT).
- Environmental Scan - examine the organization’s internal processes, procedures and policies.
- Strategic Planning - develop near- and mid-term objectives that reflect assumptions about the future considering both internal and external data points; determine various options that will help attain/maintain competitive advantage.
- Strategic Thrusts - three or four key goals on which the organization focuses its long-term efforts over the next 3-5 years.
Organizational assessments and environmental scans are crucial processes that evaluate the overall health, effectiveness, and efficiency of the organization. These assessments often involve analyzing various aspects such as leadership, culture, operational processes, resource allocation, and employee engagement. By leveraging tools like surveys, interviews, and performance data, organizations can identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). This holistic approach not only pinpoints problem areas but also highlights what the organization is doing well, offering a balanced view that informs strategic decisions.
Strategic planning builds upon the insights gained from organizational assessments to chart a path forward. The strategic business plan serves as a blueprint for achieving organizational goals, outlining clear objectives, strategies, and actionable steps. It typically includes key components such as market analysis, financial projections, operational plans, and risk management strategies. By aligning the strategic business plan with the findings of the assessment, organizations can ensure that their strategies address critical issues, leverage existing strengths, and adapt to external market dynamics.
The synergy between organizational assessments and business planning enables organizations to drive sustainable growth and long-term success.
