3 Simple Steps for Annual Business Planning

 John Ruh  Leadership


3 Simple Steps for Annual Business Planning

We absolutely/positively must complete this year well (take care of business), get our strategic initiatives (continuous improvement projects) completed, and design a super game plan (be it individual, departmental, or company), so we can enroll the support we need to have a successful next year.

It takes time to do this well, so let’s start now.

Step 1: November Focus: Annual Company Review – include ALL employees.

  1. Do an annual company survey to get everyone’s input so we can enroll all stakeholders and show our respect for their participation. Support: Debbie Rust, PH: 630-469-0592, Email: darust@ameritech.net. Debbie can help you:
    1. Design a simple survey consisting of 5-7 questions.
    2. She can also help the DIY’ers out there as well.
  2. Review/analyze this year’s budget results and define your preliminary budget for next year.
  3. Complete all key continuous improvement initiatives and projects for this year.

Step 2: December Focus: Next Year’s Game Plan

  1. With key inside and outside manager/leaders create a game plan for next year.
  2. Managers prepare their departmental plans and possibly complete annual individual reviews.
  3. Make sure that budget and support needs, (including key continuous improvement initiatives), are outlined to support A & B.

Step 3: January Focus: Roll out of game plan

  1. By January 15th, roll out key goals. Ideally this will include your long-term vision, mission and key values, giving everyone the 4 basic things they need to know (vision, goals, mission and values). As a group, outline the support you truly need.
  2. Review the roles and mission of each position and put them into the game plan.
  3. Reinforce continuous improvement needs to develop habits in the new year and start key initiatives. It is critical to make continuous improvement (CI) a habit vs. implementing only when problems occur.

Special Offer

  • Survey contracted by November 10 = (10% discount)
  • One free session with John and/or one of his specialists on how to do 3-Step Implementation

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