Basic Steps of Planning

Basic Steps of Planning

Management Planning- is the process of assessing an organization goals and creating a realistic, detailed plan of action for meeting those goals.

The basic steps in the management in the planning process involve creating a road map that outlines each task the company must accomplish to meet each overall objectives.

STEPSEstablish GoalIdentify ResourcesEstablished Goal-Related TasksPrioritize Goals and TaskCreate Assignments and TimelinesEstablished Evaluation MethodIdentify Alternative Courses of Action

Establish GoalThe first step of the management planning is to identify specific company goals.

This portion of the planning process should include a detail overview of each goal, including the reason for its selection and the anticipated outcomes of goal related projects. Where possible, objective should be describe in quantitative or qualitative terms .

Identify ResourcesEach goal should have financial and human resources projection associated with its completion.For example:A management plan may identify how many sales people it will require and how much it will cost to meet the goal of increasing sale by 25%.

Established Goal-Related TasksEach goal should have task or projects associated with its achievement

Prioritize Goals and TaskPrioritizing goals and tasks is about ordering objectives in terms of their importance. The tasks deemed most important will theoretically be approached and completed first.The prioritizing process may also reflect steps necessary in completing a task or achieving a goal.

Create Assignments and TimelinesAs the company prioritizes projects, it must establish timelines for completing associated task and assign individual to complete them.This portion of the management planning process should consider the abilities of staff members and the time necessary to realistically complete assignments.

Established Evaluation MethodA management planning process should include a strategy for evaluating the process toward goal completion throughout an established time period.One way to do this is through requesting a monthly progress report from department heads

Identify Alternative Courses of ActionEven the best-laid plans can sometimes be thrown of track by an unanticipated events.A management plans should include a contingency plan if certain aspects of the master plan prove to be unattainable.Alternative courses of action can be incorporated into each segment of the planning process, or for the plan in its entirely.

Failures of Managerin Planning

Here are 10 reasons why plans fail. Avoid these traps and youll be closer to your goal of implementing a strategic plan that actually achieves results and improves your business.

Having a plan simply for plans sake.Some organizations go through the motions of developing a plan simply because common sense says every good organization must have a plan. Dont do this. Just like most everything in life, you get out of a plan what you put in. If youre going to take the time to do it, do it right.

Not understanding the environment or focusing on results.Planning teams must pay attention to changes in the business environment, set meaningful priorities, and understand the need to pursue results.

Partial commitment.Business owners/CEOs/presidents must be fully committed and fully understand how a strategic plan can improve their enterprise. Without this knowledge, its tough to stay committed to the process.

Not having the right people involved.Those charged with executing the plan should be involved from the onset. Those involved in creating the plan will be committed to seeing it through execution.

Writing the plan and putting it on the shelf.This is as bad as not writing a plan at all. If a plan is to be an effective management tool, it must be used and reviewed continually. Unlike Twinkies or a fine vino, strategic plans dont have a good shelf life.

Unwillingness or inability to change.Your company and your strategic plan must be nimble and able to adapt as market conditions change.

Having the wrong people in leadership positions.Management must be willing to make the tough decisions to ensure the right individuals are in the right leadership positions. The right individuals include those who will advocate for and champion the strategic plan and keep the company on track.

Ignoring marketplace reality, facts, and assumptions.Dont bury your head in the sand when it comes to marketplace realities, and dont discount potential problems because they have not had an immediate impact on your business yet. Plan in advance and youll be ready when the tide comes in.

No accountability or follow through.Be tough once the plan is developed and resources are committed and ensure there are consequences for not delivering on the strategy.

Unrealistic goals or lack of focus and resources.Strategic plans must be focused and include a manageable number of goals, objectives, and programs. Fewer and focused is better than numerous and nebulous. Also be prepared to assign adequate resources to accomplish those goals and objectives outlined in the plan.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can create an effective planning process, build a realistic business direction for the future, and greatly improve the chances for successful implementation of your strategy.