The Strategic Planning of a company aims to define the direction it wants to take, the objectives and goals to be achieved, among other aspects. Although there is no correct periodicity for its revision, it is usually a long-term plan, ranging from 3 to 4 years.
However, to be effective, it needs to be integrated into the day-to-day activities of employees and their respective areas. This is where the need for annual planning arises, reiterating the overall objectives and outlining actions and strategies to bring the goals of the Strategic Planning closer to being achieved within the specified timeframe.
This tool will also guide the activities and goals of the respective year, aligning with the daily reality of each area. After all, employees who understand the purpose of their activities and are aware of the company’s goals are more engaged, thereby increasing the success of the company.
You should to consider:
1) Strategic Planning: the foundation of annual planning is strategic planning, revisit it and recall the established macro objectives.
2) Previous Year’s Planning: analyze what was accomplished in the previous year, reflect on what worked well, and identify areas for improvement. Were the set goals achieved?
3) Trends: consulting trends in your market can enhance and optimize your planning for the next year. For example, Artificial Intelligence was a trend last year that continues into the next. Have you considered how it can contribute to achieving your objectives?
4) Competition: remember to observe what your competitors are doing. Why not draw inspiration from successful actions they have been developing?
5) Market: Study the market, monitor its movements, and map out scenarios. The more prepared you are, the fewer unforeseen events may impact your company’s development throughout the year.
Annual Planning in Practice
To ensure that annual planning reflects the daily reality of the company, involve employees or coordinators and begin by analyzing the current situation, both in the market and within the organization and its departments.
Facilitate a brainstorming session where employees can contribute their opinions and feedback, providing suggestions for improvement. After all, they actively participate in day-to-day operations and may offer a perspective not previously considered.
To enhance the planning, use the SWOT Matrix from the Strategic Planning, and if preferred, conduct a new analysis based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the upcoming year.
For goal and objective setting, an alternative to better organize and separate goals by quarter is the OKR methodology. Objectives and Key Results (OKR) is a goal-setting system known for its regular reassessment and collaboration among individuals to align with the organization’s overall goals.
But what should you do with this planning once it’s done? Don’t just file it away; revisit it monthly and check the progress of the goals. Remember that if your company has a tool like Suite SA, access to this monitoring is much easier and more practical!
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Author:
Bianca Wermann
Journalist, Communication and Marketing Analyst at Interact.