What needs to be done to do effective strategic planning?
Christopher Davis
Updated on February 10, 2026
Read ahead to learn more about the six vital elements of strategic planning: vision, mission, objectives, strategy, approach, and tactics.
- Define your vision.
- Create your mission.
- Set your objectives.
- Develop your strategy.
- Outline your approach.
- Get down to tactics.
Why businesses need strategic planning?
The purpose of strategic planning is to set your overall goals for your business and to develop a plan to achieve them. The process of strategic planning is about determining the direction in which you want to take your business. It involves setting out your overall goals for your business.
What are the key elements needed to support the implementation of a strategic plan?
Making Sure You Have the Support Often overlooked are the five key components necessary to support implementation: people, resources, structure, systems, and culture. All components must be in place in order to move from creating the plan to activating the plan.
What is a successful strategic plan?
Strategic planning is about grounding your organization in its mission, vision, and values. Take the time to think through where it makes sense to focus your energy and resources in order to reach intended outcomes and results, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned and working toward common goals.
How to write a 5 year strategic plan?
Overcoming Challenges and Pitfalls Challenge of consensus over clarity Challenge of who provides input versus who decides Preparing a long, ambitious, 5 year plan that sits on a shelf Finding a balance between process and a final product Communicating and executing the plan Lack of alignment between mission, action, and finances
What is a strategic plan and why is it needed?
What is a strategic plan and why is it needed? A roadmap to launch and grow your organization Process as important as product (perhaps more important) Aligns stakeholders around strategic priorities Communicates your goals, strategies and programs Engages, motivates, and retains external and internal audiences (e.g., board, staff, donors, etc.)
When do you need a strategic planning exercise?
For example, if an office is suddenly faced with a new challenge or mandate, a change in its operating environment, or other strategic change, it may be valuable to undertake a strategic planning exercise. When a new team or unit is to be established, it is imperative to develop a strategic plan at the very outset.
How is strategic planning done in the UN?
Within the UN, strategic planning is undertaken in departments and offices in line with the biennial budget cycle. This planning feeds into “Strategic Framework” and “Programme Budget” documents for each Department. You can see the overview Strategic Framework document for all departments here (within the UN network).
