The order of strategic planning typically involves several sequential steps or stages that guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s strategic direction. The specific process may vary depending on the organization’s needs and context.

A common framework for strategic planning typically includes the following key stages…

1. Establishing the Strategic Planning Process – Before diving into strategic planning, it’s vital to establish the framework and process for the planning effort. This may involve forming a strategic planning team or task force, defining the scope and objectives of the planning process, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing timelines and milestones for plan development.
2. Reviewing the Organizational Mission, Vision, and Values – Begin by reviewing and reaffirming the organization’s mission statement (its purpose and reason for existence), vision statement (its long-term aspirational goals), and core values (its guiding principles and beliefs). These elements provide the foundation for strategic planning and help ensure alignment with the organization’s overarching purpose and direction.
3. Conducting a Situation Analysis – Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the organization’s internal and external environment to understand its current position, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). This analysis may involve reviewing financial performance, market trends, competitive dynamics, customer insights, industry regulations, and other relevant factors that may impact the organization’s strategic direction.
4. Setting Strategic Goals and Objectives – Based on the insights gained from the situation analysis, define clear and specific strategic goals and objectives that the organization aims to achieve over a defined time frame. These goals should be aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values and address critical areas such as market growth, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, innovation, financial performance, and sustainability.
5. Developing Strategies and Action Plans – Once strategic goals and objectives are established, develop strategies and action plans to achieve them. This involves identifying the key initiatives, projects, and activities that will be undertaken to support each strategic goal and allocating resources, responsibilities, and timelines for implementation. Strategies may encompass areas such as marketing, operations, human resources, finance, technology, and organizational development.
6. Implementing and Executing the Plan – Execute the strategic plan by implementing the identified strategies and action plans across the organization. This may involve mobilizing resources, communicating the plan to stakeholders, aligning organizational activities with strategic priorities, and monitoring progress towards achieving goals and objectives.
7. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress – Regularly monitor and evaluate progress towards strategic goals and objectives using key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics. Assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies, identify any deviations or obstacles, and take corrective actions as needed to stay on track. Periodically review and update the strategic plan to adapt to changing circumstances, emerging opportunities, or new challenges.
8. Communicating and Engaging Stakeholders – Communicate the strategic plan effectively to all stakeholders within the organization and engage them in the planning process. Foster alignment, understanding, and commitment to the strategic direction by soliciting feedback, addressing concerns, and involving stakeholders in decision-making and implementation efforts.
9. Reviewing and Reflecting – Periodically review and reflect on the strategic planning process and outcomes to identify lessons learned, best practices, and areas for improvement. Use feedback and insights gained from the planning process to refine future strategic planning efforts and continuously enhance organizational effectiveness and performance.

By following these sequential steps, organizations can develop and implement a strategic plan that guides decision-making, drives organizational alignment, and fosters success in achieving long-term goals and objectives.