Make Your Strategic Plan A Roadmap to Success

As you know, at 40 Strategy we believe strongly in, and actively practice, the Keep, Start, and Stop evaluation process. The last few months, the team has been working on updates to our website that more accurately reflects who we are and what we do. What started with a roadmap, has evolved into success! Go take a look at our improved 40 Strategy website. I encourage you to toggle between the different pages and resources we have available. Even more importantly, let us know what you think!?

Want to know how we do it?

Creating a strategic plan is one thing but turning that plan into reality is what truly sets successful businesses apart. A strategic plan isn't just a document to file away; it's a roadmap that guides your organization toward its goals. Here are 3 steps to make sure your strategic plan is actionable and drives success.

1. Set a Clear Start Date

Imagine you're at a track meet, and the race is about to start, but the starting gun never fires. That’s what it feels like when an executive team completes a strategic retreat but doesn't have a clear start date for implementing the plan. It sounds simple, but it’s crucial: setting a definitive start date ensures that everyone knows when the work begins. Without it, strategic initiatives often get buried under the daily grind of running a business.

Setting a start date is about more than just marking your calendar. It’s about creating urgency and focus on your strategic initiatives. It signals to your team that this is a priority, and it needs their attention from day one. So, pick a date, mark it down, and make sure everyone is ready to hit the ground running.

2. Break It Down into Bite-Sized Chunks

Big goals can be overwhelming, which is why breaking down your strategic plan into manageable tasks is essential. Think of it as a series of small, achievable steps rather than one massive project. By dividing the project plan into 10-week sprints, you give your team a clear path forward and creates momentum.

Why 10 weeks? It’s the perfect balance—long enough to make significant progress, but short enough to keep the team focused and adaptable. Life happens—there will be holidays, trade shows, and other events that could disrupt a longer timeline. By focusing on 10-week periods, you create a rhythm that’s both practical and effective. Each sprint should have specific, actionable tasks that move you closer to your goal, with progress checked regularly to keep things on track.

3. Establish Accountability

Accountability is often talked about, but rarely implemented effectively. It’s not just about tracking progress; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels responsible for the success of the plan. Weekly check-ins are crucial. These meetings ensure that tasks are completed on time and give the team an opportunity to address any issues before they become roadblocks.

If something falls behind, use the next check-in to address it, understand why it happened, and plan to catch up. This consistent follow-up ensures that your team stays focused and committed to the plan. Accountability is about more than just keeping score; it’s about building a culture where everyone is invested in achieving the strategic vision.

Your Roadmap to Strategic Success

By setting a clear start date, breaking down your plan into manageable tasks, and establishing a robust system of accountability, you can turn your strategic plan into a powerful tool for success. These steps ensure that your plan is not just actionable, but also continuously progressing. With this approach, you’ll be ahead of the competition, leading the way.

Start today by reviewing your strategic execution plan. Are these elements in place? If not, make the necessary adjustments and set your organization on a path to achieving its goals. Remember, a strategic plan is only as good as its execution—make sure yours is a roadmap to success.

Need help getting your strategic plan done??

Book a quick call with our team!