Strategic Planning for Executive Success: A Simple, Collaborative and Communicative Approach

Strategic planning is the cornerstone of executive success, providing a compass for organizations to navigate through uncertainty and achieve their long-term goals.
However, the effectiveness of any strategic plan hinges on its simplicity, the degree of collaboration involved and the clarity with which it is communicated. Executive Agenda (EA) is committed to unraveling the art and science of strategic planning and helping executives with this important function. Here are a few tips on how to focus on these three elements to ensure a successful outcome.

Keep It Simple

A strategic plan doesn’t need to be overly complex. In fact, simplicity is key to ensuring that all stakeholders understand and can execute the plan. Break down the plan into clear, actionable objectives that align with the organization’s goals. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon that could obscure the plan’s intent. Less is more when it comes to strategy, and if you can communicate the plan on a single sheet of paper such as an X-Matrix or an A3, that’s great. A simple plan is not only easier to communicate but also more likely to be executed effectively.

Foster Collaboration

Successful strategic planning is a team effort instead of a few executives working in isolation. Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders—ranging from executives to frontline employees—ensures that the plan is comprehensive and considers multiple perspectives. Henry Ford once said,

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”

Collaboration creates ownership among team members, helping them become more invested in the plan’s success. Encourage open dialogue, solicit feedback and be willing to iterate on the plan based on the input received. The more inclusive the process, the more robust the plan will be. Additionally, an EA Group Chair can be a great resource to collaborate with outside the organization to provide feedback on strategic plans.

Communicate Clearly

Once the plan is developed, its success depends on how well it is communicated. Executives must ensure that the plan is shared transparently across the organization. Regular updates on progress help maintain momentum and ensure that the plan doesn’t get lost in the day-to-day tactical work.

The process can include multiple channels to keep everyone informed.

• Meetings
• E-mails
• Visual dashboards

Clear communication also involves explaining the “why” behind the plan, helping team members understand how every person contributes to the broader goals. Also, a recent HBR Article “3 Ways to Communicate your Company’s Strategy” by Constantinos and MacLennan highlights an interesting tip in communicating your strategy – explain why some of the alternatives weren’t adopted in the strategy and why. Sometimes what you choose not to do is important as what you choose to do.
 

In summary, strategic planning for executive success is most effective when the plan is simple, collaborative and well-communicated. By focusing on these three elements, executives can create a strategic plan that is not only actionable, but also widely supported and effectively implemented.

 

About the Author

Jon Harry is a people-centric business executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in strategy, leadership development and operational excellence. He has worked with leading companies in defense, snow removal and power grid protection. Jon began his career in engineering at Lake Shore, Inc., led operations and lean transformations at Boss Snowplow and Systems Control, and later focused on strategic planning and leadership development at Systems Control. Jon holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech University and an MBA from Lake Superior State University. He resides in Florence, WI with his wife, Suzanne, and enjoys fitness, reading and gardening. An avid member of EA 37 for 10 years, Jon became an Executive Agenda Group Chair in 2023 and currently serves two NE WI groups.