What are the benefits of strategic planning?

First of all, let’s be clear that strategic planning all by itself is not what we should be talking about. Strategic planning is but one element of strategic management – which must also include strategic direction and strategic control. there must be implementation, which means direction and control. Otherwise nothing happens, and all you have is an un-implemented strategic plan.

While strategic management has a great many very real ancillary benefits we could discuss, let’s cut to the chase. The primary benefit is to optimize the organization’s future potential through the formulation and realization of a well-thought-out, sound, clear and appropriate overall course and direction for the business.

Every business already has a course and direction. Absent strategic management (strategic planning, direction and control), it is unlikely to be well-thought-out, sound, clear and appropriate. With strategic management, this is very much more likely.

For more thoughts on this, visit www.cssp.com.