Avoiding the Strategic Planning Pitfall: Why Less is More
Strategic planning is the backbone of any organization’s success, whether you’re a state agency, a nonprofit, or a corporation. Every organization can benefit from taking time to look at what’s working and not working, look around at the business environment, and plan for the future. But let’s face it—strategic plans often turn into strategic pain points. Over the years, I’ve seen two big mistakes that organizations make when crafting these plans, and they can bring even the best intentions to a grinding halt.
Mistake #1: The Plan Tries to Do Too Much
First up, let’s talk about scope creep. This is when a strategic plan tries to solve every problem, address every opportunity, and map out every possible path forward—all in one document. The result? A behemoth of a plan that no one has the time (or patience) to read, let alone execute.
Here’s the thing: a strategic plan should be your guide, not your encyclopedia. If your plan reads like “War and Peace,” you’ve missed the mark. I’m talking about those plans that run 50, 60, even 100 pages. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
When you try to do too much, you dilute your focus. It’s like trying to boil the ocean—you’ll expend a lot of energy and resources for very little return. Instead, focus on the critical few strategic initiatives that will truly move the needle for your organization. Keep your plan concise, actionable, and laser-focused on the most impactful areas. Trust me, your team will thank you.
Mistake #2: The Plan Spans Too Many Years
The second mistake I see all the time is the 5-year plan. Let’s be honest: five years is an eternity in today’s fast-paced world. Markets shift, priorities change, and before you know it, your carefully crafted plan is outdated and gathering dust on a shelf somewhere.
Here’s a radical idea: consider a 2- to 3-year plan instead. This shorter timeline keeps your goals relevant and achievable. It also forces you to stay nimble, which is essential when navigating the unpredictable waters of today’s business environment. So yes, have a long-term vision and strategic agenda, but make your actual plan empowered and fueled by market and environmental realities—staying agile and flexing to take advantage of opportunities is imperative to staying relevant and reaching your goals.
A shorter plan doesn’t mean you’re thinking small; it means you’re being realistic. It’s much easier to pivot and adjust course with a 2-year plan than a 5-year one. Plus, your leadership team will have a clearer idea of where to start and what to tackle first. Remember, a strategic plan should be a living, breathing document—not a static relic of past ambitions.
The Bottom Line
Strategic planning is critical, but it doesn’t have to be cumbersome. Keep your plan short—both in length and duration—and you’ll find it much easier to execute. When you avoid these two common pitfalls, you’ll create a plan that not only sets a clear direction but also energizes your team to get moving.
Remember, less is more. Now, go forth and simplify your strategic planning process—you’ve got this!
Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For 40 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to grow leaders, build teams and drive results through great people strategy. Contact us to get proactive about expanding your company’s potential, and stay up-to-date with our latest news and leadership development updates here.
