Annual Business Planning – 3 Simple Steps

3 Simple Steps for Annual Business Planning

Leader to Leader

By: John Ruh

Chicago Business Planning and continuous Improvement. We absolutely/positively must complete 2015 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 2016.

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

Step 1:      November: Focus: Annual Review (everyone)

A. Do an annual company survey to get everyone’s input so we can enroll all stakeholders and show our respect for their participation.

B. Review/analyze your 2015 budget and your preliminary 2016 budget.

C. Complete all key 2015 continuous improvement initiatives and projects.

Step 2:      December: Focus: 2016 game plan.

A. With key inside and outside manager/leaders create a 2016 game plan.

B. Managers do their departmental plans and possibly complete annual individual reviews.

C. 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

A. By January 15^th, rollout key 2016 goals. Ideally this will include your long-term vision, mission and key values. Doing that will present a code of conduct. As a group, outline the support you truly need.

B. Reinforce that continuous improvement needs to be a habit in 2016 and start key initiatives. (Critical to make CI a habit vs. doing only when problems occur.)

C. Review the roles and mission of each position and put them into the game plan.

Special Offer

• Survey contracted by October 30^th = (10% discount)
• One free session with John and/or one of his specialists on how to do 3 Step Implementation

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