Practical Strategic Planning Practical Strategic Planning (PsP) is a no nonsense approach to strategy development. Many small organizations choose to do this type of planning to initiate and sustain a needed change efforts. Others choose this simply because the time required and the cost of other strategic planning methodologies. The PsP method excludes the data collection that is a necessary part of other methods by assuming that the participants of the event bring with them the necessary knowledge and data needed to drive the planning process. The PsP method is a four part methodology that can be initiated in as little as one week and usually takes a comfortable three days. However, without optional elements the method can be done in two long work days. The four parts are: Part 1: Defining the Journey.The basic method examines the organizational vision. This creates an image of what the team needs to work toward. Many of our clients add options to examine and document their purpose and mission as well during this part. The time horizon examined is usually 3 to 5 years. Part 2: Identify Rocks in the Road.With the vision established we turn to identifying issues that are ,or may be, blocking your progress. Any issues can be discussed. Our methods require the team to logically group issues and identify possible actions or strategies to overcome them. Part 3: Establish Elements of the Best Path.In this part we group the potential actions to help determine direction or major initiatives for the group, community, or organization. The process is focused on identifying the best strategies to achieve a vision or major goal. Each potential strategy is placed in a matrix with similar actions. Strategies are aligned into groups that represent paths of actions to accomplish desired results. Part 4: Actions to Implement the Journey.Strategic Planning is about utilization and alignment of scarce resource to accomplish the vision. The implementation workshop helps a group determine how and when the direction or major initiatives for the organization will be acted on. The result is typically an annual implementation plan with semi-annual action plans for each strategy. By virtue of the design, this method does not provide for a long term view. Once the initial plan is completed the group must gather together on a quarterly basis to advance the action planning for the two quarters that follow. Of course any group undertaking strategic planning should meet regularly to review and update the status of the plan. This can be a one or two day event depending on the additional work that will be done. On an annual basis the group conducts a “Recycle” event to confirm or adapt the vision and/or create the new plan. Every strategic planning event is different and while this is a pre-designed methodology we take great pains to examine your needs and adapt the method to meet them. In addition to the basic method, we often use several pre-developed options in order to serve our customers needs best. We also create techniques to meet your needs. Learn more about our PsP Method by clicking PsP Benefits and Limitations or give us a call for a FREE consultation and discussion on your needs. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your situation send us an RFP or contact us at: Wayne Vick, MBA, CPF 703-913-6513 Email Wayne Charles Markert, PE, CPF 540-338-1255 Email Charlie Many clients do not yet have a Strategic Plan and would benefit from our Practical Strategic Planning approach. However, if your organization has a previously developed plan and has a preferred planning process, as professionals experienced in several strategic planning methodologies, we can adapt to it and guide your team through a complete update or a focused element of the process, such as a SWOT, Environmental Scan and/or action planning. Or if this process just doesn't match your needs check out our other approaches to Strategic Planning. Want to learn how to do the Practical Strategic Planning method for yourself? Check out our 2-Day PsP Course.