Management Counsel Newsletter: Issue 2
Planning: An Approach

Why do we plan? To determine how to achieve as much as we can with the resources available. And, a plan allows us to be flexible and respond to situations as they change.

Having considered the future and what we are trying to achieve, we are able to respond to change. We can capitalize on opportunities. We can defend against threats.

During planning the leader shares ideas of the future with others in the organization. Together they establish a common perspective on where the organization is going, and how it is going to get there.

One of our clients asks 4 questions as a way of summarizing what they must do in preparing a plan:

- Where are we?
- Where are we going?
- How are we going to get there?
- How do we know we have arrived?

Equally important, the outcome of actual efforts on achieving the targets set forward in the plan must be measured, and refinements made as you go.

A plan is a living document, enhanced and refined to meet changing circumstances. It reflects a commitment to a direction. It outlines a framework for action.