A good strategic planning template is like a checklist. The template will include different sections for leaders and others to complete and help them cover a variety of topics. Using a thorough template will help leaders ensure they have a comprehensive strategic plan for their organization.
Leaders can use computer software for their strategic planning template, or they can create their own with Microsoft Word or Excel. Table X-1 provides a sample strategic planning template and the following offers more specifics on its use.
At the top of the template, label it “Executive Summary” and provide an overview of the organization. Leaders should include the time period they are looking at for their organization’s strategic plan; for example, if the strategic plan provides a 3- to 5-year outlook.
Underneath this section would be information on “Your Organization.” This is where leaders put in their mission statement, vision, values, and information on leadership.
A section on “Research” will include information on the organization’s clients and customers, competitors, and the industry.
A section should be created on “Products and Services,” which will detail any products the organization sells, pricing strategy, delivery systems and capabilities, and suppliers.
A section of the template should focus on “Measurable Goals.” These should be realistic goals or objectives that the leaders want their organization to achieve within the time period you set.
Leaders should not forget to include details on how the progress of each goal or objective will be measured.
Table X-1 Strategic Planning Template
Executive Summary
Provide an overview of your business and include the time period you’re looking at in the strategic plan.
The Company
Vision Statement: Describe the direction your company is headed in and what your company stands for and aims to be.
Mission Statement: Similar to a vision statement, but includes more specific details on actions. Details what your company does and explains to people outside of your company why your business exists.
Values: Explains what your business stands for. Values typically help guide the culture within your business.
Management/Leadership: Who is/are the leaders of the business.
Research
Clients/Customers: Describe the customers you cater to.
Competitors: Who are the main competitors within your industry?
Industry: What industry is your business in?
Products and Services
Products: Describe the products you offer (if any).
Services: Describe the types of services you offer to your customers (if any).
Suppliers: Describe or note any suppliers your business has a relationship with.
Delivery System: Describe or explain how services or products from your business are delivered.
Measurable Goals and Objectives
Goal/Objective 1: Describe a goal or objective you want the business to achieve.
Goal/Objective 2: Describe a goal or objective you want the business to achieve.
Action Plans
Methods and details outlining how the business will achieve each of the goals and objectives above.
Review and Updating
Explain how often the strategic plan should be reviewed and updated. List out the people in the business responsible for reviews and updates, as well as communicating the changes with the rest of the company.
Whether leaders include it within the Measurable Goals section or as a stand-alone group in the template, they should not forget about their “Action Plans.” This provides an overview of how leaders and their employees are going to achieve organizational goals and plans.
Leaders should also put their SWOT analysisOpens in new window into the template. Leaders should list the identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within their organization.
Leaders should remember to be honest and candid. When leaders are reviewing the strategic plan in the future, they can reference the initial SWOT analysis and check to see what has changed.
The last section should detail “Reviews and Updating.” Explain how often the plan should be checked (every few months, quarterly, annually, etc.). Leaders should provide a list of people who should be responsible for reviewing and updating the strategic plan, as well as communicating any changes with the broader business.
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