Did I mention that planning is as process? Yes, I did. There are only four steps in this process. They are:
1. Getting In Touch
2. Strategic Planning
3. Tactical Planning
4. Monitoring
Getting in touch is nothing more than a reality check. I’m not sure I like that term but it does describe what’s going to happen. Every plan has a starting point and that is what step one is. We are going to stop the clock for a moment and describe what your life is like at that point in time. This step will probably be the most actual work of any of the steps. It’s going to take a little effort but it won’t be difficult. We are going to get in touch spiritually, financially, and personally. Some of this exercise will apply to your management team as a whole and some will apply to each individual on the team. You will recall, the definition of management explained that management is simply the (judicious) wise use of (means) resources. Keeping in mind who we are: His steward, servant, slave, this first step simply involves taking an inventory of His resources. Not to worry, you don’t have to account for all of God’s resources, just those over which He has delegated control to you. The reason I mention this now is that I want you to start thinking about it. You don’t have to write anything down yet, just start thinking.
Strategic planning is simply deciding WHAT to do. Again, keep in mind the context. We are stewards, servants, slaves whose job is management, that is, wise use of resources (after step one we will know exactly what ours are at a given point in time) to accomplish goals or objectives (ends). In step two we are going to develop a mission statement and then set some goals and objectives. As you can see in this picture (below), the horizon is where everything comes together. The mission statement for you will describe the horizon of your life, where your fondest, wildest dreams come true. When we get to this step, I have a little story to tell you that highlights its importance. For now, I want you to start thinking about what you want the horizon of your life to look like.
Tactical planning is where the real grunt work starts. This is where the rubber meets the road. By this time we will know what resources we have to work with and what we want to do with them. Now we decide, what’s the best way to make it happen? This is actually kind of fun, deciding how, when, who, and how much it’s going to cost. Don’t worry, I have a form that will help you with this.
Do any of you older folks remember this guy (above)? A really great and famous jazz pianist, Erroll Garner. His “Concert By The Sea” is a classic. Words cannot describe what a marvelous piano player he is. He is less famous however, for something really important he has said. I’ve emphasized before how important commitment is to the planning process. And, I certainly believe you when you say you will be committed. I’m sure Erroll was committed too but he also had these words of wisdom, “You know what happens when nobody holds me accountable, NOTHIN!” The final step in the planning process is monitoring. This is what will keep your plans on track and will assure progress toward your horizon.