Personal Strategic Planning

I have a few questions for you ---What if we as individuals adapted and utilized some of the same tried and true processes and methods that have given businesses the edge they need to succeed over their competition? My sense is that understood and implemented correctly professionals would be able to gain the same competitive advantage. Remarkably, this is not anything overly complicated or new and I can't take credit for developing it. But I can (and will) take credit for suggesting we take it out of the boardroom and adapt it for personal use to achieve greater personal and professional success. This classic business tool is the process of Strategic Planning.

Consider what you could achieve if you had a clear vision of your short and long term objectives, understood where the greatest growth opportunity is now and where it will be in five years and had an effective action plan with measurements for evaluation.. That's what a strategic plan can do for you. It's like using a map to understand the best way to get across town knowing that are various options, but some are more direct and efficient then others. Strategic Planning is a deliberate, purposeful thought progression that when implemented will ensure your success.

I have taken the process and broken it into 5 steps. The first is Visioning? meaning you need to know at the beginning where you want to end up. Create a vivid mental picture of your future and list the specific results you want to achieve.

The second piece in the process is Preparing - strategically. To be strategic is to be calculating, deliberate and intentional. We've all heard the saying that knowledge is power so this is how you "power-up"! Strategically preparing incorporates research, resources and identifying potential options across a broad range of concerns. As with a corporate plan, an individuals' plan must include a SWOT analysis. This step is critical as it identifies your "Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats".

Taking this further, an effective SWOT analysis can not be developed without looking outside yourself (or your company) to consider external conditions such as industry and market conditions, technology advances, available resources, potential opportunities, core competencies and overall fit.

Step three involves creating your action plan. Based on what you now know, what do you need to do and how do you need to do it.

Step four is all about Implementation. As Nike says, "Just Do It".

Step five requires the ability to Evaluate and Adjust. This will not only help you to keep on track, but will promote continued learning and improvement.

Jeannette Kraar, president of Performance Management International is the Breakthrough Career Coach and a highly-acclaimed trainer, speaker and consultant. Hundreds of PMI clients have succeeded even in the most turbulent times. Jeannette is the author of BREAKTHROUGH, The Hate My Job, Need A Life, Can't Get No Satisfaction SOLUTION.

Learn more about the book at http://www.breakthroughcareersolutions.com

Email Jeannette at pmi@manageyoursuccess.com or visit her on-line at http://www.manageyoursuccess.com

---

Think, Pause & Talk

There are two kinds of peoples we generally face in... Read More

Your Silent Voice of Experience

"I can't wait!" she exclaimed over the phone. The anticipation... Read More

7 Effective Ways To Boost Your Self Esteem

1. Get a life purpose statement.A well thought out life... Read More

Overcoming Work Addiction

Why are you so busy? Do you really have too... Read More

Fear Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of!

What do you do when fear shows up? Do you... Read More

Sheep Do Not Start Out Lost

Have you ever thought about how sheep get lost? Even... Read More

The Incredible Rightness of Being

An Age-Old QuestionSearching for more meaning in our lives has... Read More

The Power of Visualization

Professional athletes and other highly successful people use the power... Read More

Belief Management - The Missing Ingredient?

"Joan, I'm working so hard and I'm not getting anything... Read More

How to Crack a Daunting Task!

If you have a daunting task and the mere thought... Read More

COACHING: When it?s Beyond Oprah and Dr. Phil

How many more servings of the daytime self-help salad will... Read More

The Great Marketing Reframe

From grimaces to stomach knots, talking about marketing seems to... Read More

Five Steps to Vocational Passion: A Disciplined Plan for Major Mid-life Changes

There's a famous song lyric that asks: "Is that all... Read More

The Problem with Blame? If You Fix the Blame, You Ignore the Problem

Have you ever found yourself in a hurry to leave... Read More

What is Life Coaching?

An recent article in Money Magazine said that "A coach... Read More

The Tolerance Effect

While working with a client several months ago, we went... Read More

Living In The Now

I hope you are sitting down as you read this!... Read More

Is Your Life In Motion?

Ever since the Internet bubble and the 9/11 terrorist attacks,... Read More

A Numbers Game!

Three years ago, Paul left his corporate job to launch... Read More

Coaching Employees - The Chronic Excuser

Most of us find coaching employees to be an effective,... Read More

Do You Trust Your Mentor(s)?

It is better to suffer wrong than to do it,... Read More

Stay Connected To WHY You Are Doing Things

"The more I want to get something done, the less... Read More

Why Bosses Dont Get All the News

Not long ago, a friend who works in television complained... Read More

Do You Mind If Someone Screams At You?

A headhunter was on the other end of the phone.... Read More

Are You Worth Investing In?

Do you realise that if you're green you're growing and... Read More

The Difference Between Approval and Appreciation

Having worked with individuals, couples, families and business partners for... Read More

Smelling the Roses: Better Living Through Savoring

"Stop and smell the roses," people often say. Then they... Read More

Q-Tip It!

Back in the 1920's when Polish-American entrepreneur Leo Gerstenzang invented... Read More

Make a Decision and Take Action!

How are you progressing with the goals you set yourself... Read More

Passport to Passion

Passion is a feeling of excitement and intensity. The energy... Read More

Floating In Mindfulness: Dealing With Disappointment

Feeling disappointed? It's time to float.The time-honored approach to disappointment... Read More

Emotional Dependency or Emotional Responsibility

Emotional dependency means getting one's good feelings from outside oneself.... Read More

Is Your Attitude Destroying Your Health?

A positive attitude may bring good health and success. If... Read More