Strategic Planning Process: 7 Steps

Quick answer

The strategic planning process: analyze → set direction → choose strategy → set goals → plan execution → review — seven steps from ‘where are we’ to ‘what we do’.

Analyze

Where are we — market, competition, internal state; SWOT and honest assessment.

Set direction

Vision, mission, values — the destination before the route.

Choose strategy

The few priorities — what we’ll do and won’t do; strategy is choosing.

Set goals

OKRs or measures — the targets per priority.

Plan execution

Initiatives, owners, resources — strategy without execution is a wish.

Review

Quarterly strategy review — the plan adjusts; the direction holds.

Bottom line

The strategic planning process: analyze → set direction → choose strategy → set goals → plan execution → review — seven steps from ‘where are we’ to ‘what we do’.

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