Strategic planning is an essential process that enables organisations to define their goals, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and determine the actions needed to achieve their desired outcomes. However, before embarking on strategic planning, it is crucial to first establish the organisation's values, mission, and vision. These foundational elements provide a framework for decision-making, guide the development of strategies, and ensure alignment between the organisation's goals and its purpose. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why it is vital to establish values, mission, and vision before creating a strategic plan.
First and foremost, values, mission, and vision provide clarity and focus to an organisation's purpose. Values represent the fundamental principles and beliefs that guide an organisation's behaviour and decision-making. They reflect what the organisation stands for and what it considers essential. By identifying and establishing its core values, an organisation can ensure that it operates in a manner consistent with its principles and beliefs.
Similarly, the mission and vision provide a clear direction for an organisation. A mission statement outlines the organisation's purpose, objectives, and approach to achieving them. It describes what the organisation does, for whom, and why. A good framework for the mission statement is"We do X (what), for Y (who), because Z (why)". A vision statement, on the other hand, describes the desired future state of the organisation. It paints a picture of what the organisation hopes to achieve in the long term.
By establishing a clear mission and vision, an organisation can align its actions with its purpose. It can ensure that all members of the organisation understand the direction and goals of the organisation and can work towards achieving them. Furthermore, a well-defined mission and vision can inspire and motivate employees, creating a sense of purpose and direction that can drive them to perform at their best.
Finally, values, mission, and vision provide a framework for decision-making. When an organisation is faced with difficult decisions, its values, mission, and vision can help guide its choices. By ensuring that all decisions are consistent with the organization's values, mission, and vision, an organisation can ensure that its actions are aligned with its purpose and goals.
Once an organisation has established its values, mission, and vision, it can begin the strategic planning process. Strategic planning involves identifying the organization's goals, defining the strategies needed to achieve them, and determining the actions needed to execute those strategies. By having a clear understanding of its purpose and direction, an organisation can ensure that its strategies and actions are consistent with its values, mission, and vision.
In conclusion, values, mission, and vision are critical elements that provide a foundation for an organisation's strategic planning process. They provide clarity and focus to an organisation's purpose, ensure alignment between an organization's actions and its goals, and provide a framework for decision-making. By establishing values, mission, and vision before developing a strategic plan, an organization can ensure that its actions are consistent with its purpose and goals, creating a solid foundation for success.