What is an Operational Plan and Why is It Important?

An operation plan is an extremely detail-oriented plan that clearly defines how a team or department contributes to reaching company goals. It outlines the daily tasks required for running a business. When properly created, an operating plan makes sure each manager and each employee know their specific obligations, as well as how they should execute them within a defined timeline. Mapping out the day-to-day tasks that ensure a clear path to your business and operational goals is essential to success.

On a daily basis, your operations plan should answer these crucial questions:

·??????What are the strategies and tasks that need to be completed or achieved?

·??????Who are the individuals responsible for those tasks and strategies?

·??????When must each strategy be completed?

·??????How much will it cost?

Your strategic plan is a manual that ensures your company, and all its employees execute day-to-day operations in a way that ensures reaching your long-term business goals.

The Steps of a Successful Operational Business Plan

You can't create a successful operational plan without clearly defining your operational goals. The template below walks you through several important steps to take if you want to develop a functional operating plan:

·??????Create your strategic plan first:

An operating plan is a necessary tool for achieving the goals you've defined in a strategy, so first, you should make sure your strategic plan is in place.

·??????Focus on essential goals:

All successful operating plan examples stick to one rule—focus on goals that matter the most. A complex plan with multiple unclear goals is hard to follow.

·??????Instead of lagging, use leading indicators:

Lagging indicators will show your efforts are falling short only after you already execute the operations. By contrast, leading indicators include predictive measures that will prevent you from making a mistake in the first place.

·??????Choose the right KPIs:

?Defining the appropriate KPIs for your business is essential. You shouldn't develop them all by yourself. Instead, involve the whole team in the process.

·??????Communication is key:

Everyone in the company should learn and understand what metrics you use, why they are important, and what everyone's roles are in working toward your goals.