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Which is it - Strategic Plan or Strategic Plan of Action?

Written by: Michelle Cubas

Article Overview: We've heard the clichés about planning and failure. So, what is the major obstacle for people to simply jot down what's already in their mind? My view is that the act of writing things down makes the idea concrete and attached to commitment and responsibility. In our CYA (cover your assets) culture, one understands the anxiety that can be attached to writing out a plan. Here are several strategies to help you break that cycle and move forward. If procrastination and commitophopeia aren't your issues, congratulations.

Which is it - Strategic Plan or Strategic Plan of Action?

Which is it—Strategic Plan or Strategic Plan of Action?

The single most success factor to put to use is a Strategic Plan.

As a coach, my clients benefit from a personal Strategic Plan aligned with their career and growth goals. It is usually disguised as an exit strategy. I have my clients write the conclusion or the last two paragraphs first. We work back from there.

Your personal Evolutionary Strategic Plan (ESP™) is effective to preserve confidence, establish credibility, take a stand and create a commitment. It captures details and creates order while preserving energy and resources that are wasted or dissipated from confusion and aimlessness.)

Once the personal plan is executed, the company plan can begin. All will be the stronger for it because you, as the leader (even if you’re a solo-preneur) are self-directed and can take action, adapt to changes and seize opportunities not written in the plan because you are on track to your objectives.

Coach Cubas’ observation:
People set objectives without considering expectations. They are different.
Some clients say they deliberately set low expectations so they can’t fail.
Some sabotage loftier visions.
A proven way to test your expectations is to do the following simple exercise.

Consider:
Imagine an Antebellum home like in movies about 1800 South.
Objectives are the pillars on the front porch of an Antebellum home. They support the above roof, which is the purpose covering the entire scope of your life.
The expectations are driven by desires, ambition, anticipation of what you want to happen.

Sample strategy:
1. Set the expectations first.
2. Define them clearly—List each detail.
3. Decide how you can accomplish them without obstacles, no limitations.
4. Include necessary resources to complete.

Next, set the objectives as blueprints for achieving your expectations.
• Write down everything you can related to the topic.
• Visual representations of your thoughts are helpful.
• Choose a spider diagram (either a target model or a central circle with lines running out from the inner circle) or Venn Circles (3 interlocking circles. Look at the sections with the overlap segments. The crossovers must relate to the sections they touch. It is in these observations that your insights will come.)
• Keep the lines to seven or less. That leads to distraction and “overwhelm.”

Now note the following:
1. How quickly does your inspirations flow?
2. Assess how difficult it was to document your vision.
3. Keep asking yourself, “So what?” until you’ve reached the logical conclusion.

Why this method is effective:
• It’s visual.
• It’s easy to track.
• It documents your thoughts.

Spider Diagram



Venn Circles


Once you define your idea, evaluate your role in it.
Then, determine what other talent is required to complete your vision.
Document your process from inbound to output.
By flow-charting your (www.visio.com) process, you will have a reasonable outline of where the gaps are.

For example, if you are advertising on a radio station, be sure you have enough phone coverage and a commitment to return calls so you don’t implode your marketing effort. If you are unavailable, you’ve wasted your investment.

A proven method for shifting away from “old” thinking, is to speak to yourself, outloud if possibly, a state that you’re going to use a different perspective. For example, if your conversation swings to absolutes like, “All, Everyone,” consider a simple shift of describing your audience like, “Mothers between 25-40,” rather than say, “All moms.” This is intentional focus™ brought about by shifting your perception.

Once you’ve completed this session, you’ll be ready for implementation strategies.

Until next time,
Your Coach, Michelle Cubas

Related Articles
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  “Ten Strategic Marketing Actions To Ensure Success In Your New Year, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach”
  “Ten Strategic Actions To Ensure That You Reach Your Goals, According To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach”
  How to crystalize business growth options through Strategic Planning
  The most important thing to know about your strategic plan.

Article Tags: ambition, anticipation, blueprints, credibility, desires, exit strategy, front porch, growth goals, low expectations, necessary resources, paragraphs, personal plan, pillars, preserving energy, sabotage, simple exercise, spider diagram, strategic plan, success factor, visual representations



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