By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor

Some leaders confuse a strategic planning document with the process itself . Others are obsessed with the process and never put any of it into action . The reality is that thinking and acting strategically is something every leader or organization must do . Consider the following when it comes to strategic planning .

◾ Intentionally set goals and have those goals based on reality . Without such goals , how can any organization measure its effectiveness or stay on course ? Any strategic plan starts with identifying key goals and continually reevaluating those goals to ensure specific benchmarks are being met .

◾ Be aware of the organization ’ s resources . The best leaders are fully aware of their organization ’ s resources , both

financial and human , and dedicates those resources in a rational fashion that moves in a direction of accomplishing the above-mentioned goals .

◾ Decide what ’ s important and what ’ s not . With limited resources and time , it is all about prioritizing . An organization that says “ everything is important ” is bound to fail and burn out its people . Create a list of the top goals or outcomes for your team or your organization and then prioritize them .

◾ Put the difficult questions and issues on the table . Don ’ t duck them . It ’ s about taking a sobering look at the external environment and knowing that you have no control over it . Then , once you have identified the key issues and obstacles that are getting in the way of the goals outlined within your strategic plan , confront them head on . The longer you wait , often that situation only gets worse .

◾ Be flexible . Just because you have a strategic planning document doesn ’ t mean your hands are tied behind your back . Rather , the strategic planning document

should serve as a blueprint for making important decisions and then the best leaders remain open-minded to new information and pivot accordingly .

Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including , “ Lessons in Leadership .” His sixth book , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ,” will be released in summer 2023 . He is an Emmy ^® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS . He has also appeared on CNN , NPR and NBC ’ s Today Show . Steve Adubato ’ s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com

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