Vantage Blog
15 Oct 2016
CAN IT FIT ON ONE PAGE?
It seems to me that many business consultants and so called strategy experts try to make things complex. This really comes to the fore when the challenge of planning is on the agenda.
SWOT, PESTLE, 5 Forces, etc. Lots of acronyms, not much clarity.
Don’t get me wrong these are all good tools that can be used to uncover insights and develop strategy. However without a clear framework they can end up making things more complex – lots of data not much information.
I have found the most sensible approach is the idea around one page planning. Yes one page.
SWOT, PESTLE, 5 Forces, etc. Lots of acronyms, not much clarity.
Don’t get me wrong these are all good tools that can be used to uncover insights and develop strategy. However without a clear framework they can end up making things more complex – lots of data not much information.
I have found the most sensible approach is the idea around one page planning. Yes one page.
The one page planning approach is based on the tried and true Now-Where-How framework.
Being clear on where you are NOW as a business (across all the key factors that drive value). Determining WHERE you want to be and then finally starting to develop strategies on HOW you are going to get there.
The beauty is that using this simple framework and then consolidating onto one page can be provide real focus.
Being clear on where you are NOW as a business (across all the key factors that drive value). Determining WHERE you want to be and then finally starting to develop strategies on HOW you are going to get there.
The beauty is that using this simple framework and then consolidating onto one page can be provide real focus.
But more importantly it enables you to cascade your plans throughout the organisation as per below.
One of the biggest failures in strategic planning is not the qualities of the strategies developed but the lack of effective implementation.
One page planning enables a line of sight to be developed from the overall business strategic plan though to teams, projects and individuals. All aligned and easily verified that you are on track.
One page planning enables a line of sight to be developed from the overall business strategic plan though to teams, projects and individuals. All aligned and easily verified that you are on track.
Add to this regular reviews and updates on progress and you have a simple process that can engage your teams and be easily monitored.
And the gold – you can run this internally without the need for expensive annual strategic offsites – yes it becomes part of how you do business!
And what if it’s more than one page? It’s a concept not a rule. Though focusing on a smaller number of strategies will mean increased likelihood of successful implementation – both organisationally and individually.
And the gold – you can run this internally without the need for expensive annual strategic offsites – yes it becomes part of how you do business!
And what if it’s more than one page? It’s a concept not a rule. Though focusing on a smaller number of strategies will mean increased likelihood of successful implementation – both organisationally and individually.
by James Atkins, Vantage Strategy & Marketing