Geoff Ball & Associates
Enabling People to Work Together BETTER

Geoff Ball & Associates, 315 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Cell Phone 650-279-9461, ghball@aol.com

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Some Definitions for Elements of a Strategic Plan
(follows Collins and Poras in Built to Last in the 'Intent' Portion)

INTENT as defined by
 
 
PURPOSE, VISION

Enduring reason for organization's existence. What organization seeks to contribute to world


 
MISSION

A clear, definable and motivational Point of Focus over a 3-5 year period


 
CORE VALUES

The essence of what is important to the organization, its soul


 
VIVID DESCRIPTION

Vibrant, engaging and specific narrative description of what it will be like when have achieved mission


 
 
 
 
 
GOALS

Abstract statement of desired states toward which we are moving

 

 
INSTRUMENTAL OBJECTIVES

Abstract statement of desired states related to organizational capability and capacity

 

 
STRATEGIES

Fairly broad choices regarding the allocation of resources to move toward the goals

 

 
OBJECTIVES

What desired specific (measurable) states do we seek to create in support of our goals

 

 
TACTICS

Tactical activities that increase, reduce, maintain specific levels related to the objectives. Tactics can be viewed as more concrete strategies of smaller scope and greater specificity


 
ACTIONS

Very specific activities- who does what with whom by when

 

 
INTERNAL CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY

What we need to have working in order to carry out the strategies to reach objectives, move toward goals and in the direction set by the intent.Such things as work systems, core competences, reputation, financial resources, relationships and networks, expertise, etc.

 

 
     
MILESTONES & METRICS

Ways to measure how we are doing / how far we have moved toward desired states

 

 
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

What is it essential that we do and do well in order to reach our objectives


 
 
 
INTERNAL STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Focus of our internal assessment on our own organization

 

 
EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS

Focus of our assessment on things outside our organization that will affect our ability to carry out our intent.

 

 
 
 

See our Strategy Definitions Diagram. This somewhat complicated diagram places key elements of a developed strategy in a useful diagramatic arrangement.