Clarifying the Myths strategic thinking and planning

I continue to be amazed at the amount of misinformation and number of myths that exist about strategic thinking and planning. Throughout my career, I've heard entrepreneurs, executives and non-profit board members and executives say "mythical" statements about strategic thinking and planning. And I observed that these same people really believe that these myths are true.

My purpose in writing this article is to share what I believe are the 5 biggest myths and also provide some guidance in what I believe are the 5 biggest "reality" of strategic thinking and planning.

Myth # 1: "Our company (organization) does not need a strategic plan."

The Reality # 1: Every company and organization needs to develop strategic thinking and planning to guide its actions, especially in chaotic times.

Myth # 2: "Strategic planning takes too long and we must use our time to do our" real "job."

The Reality # 2: By engaging in strategic thinking and planning, time and time will be saved will be used more efficiently and effectively. The effort will provide a system of accountability and evaluation of a company or organization's effectiveness.

Myth # 3: "A strategic plan is confidential."

The Reality # 3: A copy of the strategic plan, in my model that includes vision and mission statements, a list of values ​​or guiding principles and lists short-term (less than 1 year) and long term (over 1 year ) objectives, must be presented and given to all employees.

Myth # 4: "The strategic thinking and planning are events that happen only in retirement."

The Reality # 4: The strategic thinking and planning are the processes and the need to be continuous.

Myth # 5: "Our company (organization) can do everything by themselves without any help in strategic thinking and planning.

The Reality # 5: "At best, it is extremely challenging and at worst it is impossible to facilitate and participate in the same meeting an experienced facilitator is a very valuable asset and resist the temptation to enter into detailed tactical problem solving and go . "off track" the real purpose of the meeting.

Are you a believer in one or more of how to erase the myths and get to the reality of the benefits of strategic thinking and planning to grow your business. Or accept the reality? ......