Strategy – It Becomes You
If You Don’t Know Where You Are Going, You May End Up Somewhere Else – Yogi Berra
“We have to clean up all our problems before we consider developing a strategic plan”.
“We are already successful; why mess with something which is making us money”.
“Strategic Plans are not worth the paper on which they are printed.”
To those who say the above, prepare to drop off a cliff!
JUST BEGIN
We all “need, want, desire” something beyond where we are (and who we are) in the moment. A well-considered goal will point you in the right direction.
Ideally, the goal is narrowly focused, with a deadline, captured in your handwriting, and carried in your pocket, and looked at every day.
Once you decide on your best direction, there is at least a chance you will avoid wasting time and effort on the 90% of other possible options.
CONSIDER USING A MAP
Orienteering is the next step, where we grow beyond our focused “need, want, desire.” Our strategic plan is equivalent to a map, with landmarks to confirm we are heading in our best direction.
Our compass provides metrics we monitor to assure we remain on the most effective path to our destination.
The map/plan is developed with our experience and training, and the from input of others who are impacted by our success (owners, partners, senior staff, outside experts, competitors, economists, family, etc.).
CHANGE IS A CONSTANT
Strategy needs be organic. Nothing and nobody involved in your journey stays the same every day. Like the concept that we never can step into the same river twice.
In 2026, the “year of the mercurial”, we need always be aware of sudden proverbial road closings, quantum leap technology applications, third party partners growing/closing/merging, and opportunities which sudden appear without warning.
YOU BECOME YOUR STRATEGY
Your map / plan is a picture of your future self (and by extension, your future business, family, and friends). The goal is to grow into who/what you want each to be.
Having developed the detail of what the future holds, consider the specific steps needed next to be taking. Break them into annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily tasks. I manage mine on a excel spreadsheet which I update DAILY before I go to bed.
Every morning, I update my view of the world, by checking email, voice mail, text messages, and an online news service. Ten-minute MAX! I do NOT respond to any messages.
Unless something changes everything (maybe once/month), I get back to my “Strategic Moves To Do List”. I commit to my top three (3) and do NOTHING else – no coffee, no food, nothing else – until these three are COMPLETED!
Usually, two hours later, I come out of my office and engage with the world. I’ve already climbed my tallest mountain. I feel good about myself and I’m ready to rock!
BOTTOM LINE
A strategic plan can be simple – one word – or a multi-page document (or for me, a very detailed five column spreadsheet).
We look in the mirror every day to confirm how we look.
Add looking at your Strategic Plan every day to confirm how we WILL look as we grow into our strategic future!