Have you thought about ways to make your strategic plan simpler and more assertive? There are tools that make this possible, and therefore, managers of companies of any size and segment cannot forget them.
As is already known, carrying out this planning is a practice of utmost importance for organizations that wish to achieve ever better and more efficient results.
While it is a common activity, defining goals, actions, and the means to execute those actions is not an easy task. There are a number of factors to consider, and therefore, the manager responsible for charting the company's strategies faces an important challenge.
The tools in question are presented as simple, yet powerful resources. Capable of simplifying scenario analysis and goal definition, reducing errors, and increasing chances of success. Interested? Keep reading and learn more!
5W2H Checklist
5W2H is a basic tool that functions as a checklist for a strategic plan. There are a total of seven questions to be answered by the manager, which will guide the plan for both its development and its execution.
With the 5W2H, the manager answers the following questions:
WWhat action or type of action will be executed;
WWhy? – for what reason is this action necessary;
WWhen? - when the action will be performed and for what period of time;
Where Onde? – onde essa ação será realizada;
WWho? - Which person is responsible for this action?;
HHow are you doing? - what is the step-by-step to perform this action;
HHow much? – what will be the cost of this action.
Despite its simplicity, the tool provides the generation of crucial and precise information. Furthermore, it can be applied at different levels, for small or large projects.
PDCA Cycle
The PDCA cycle, in turn, appears as an interactive methodology that guides the planning of strategies aimed at the control and improvement of various processes within the company.
PDCA is called a “cycle” because it is based on repetition and must be applied continuously in processes for the company to achieve its established goals.
It works as follows:
PPlanning: stage where objectives and processes necessary to achieve results are established;
DExecution: the stage where the implemented planning takes place;
CCheck: stage at which it is verified whether the goals were successfully achieved;
TheAct/Adjust: stage in which necessary modifications are made and actions that were successful are established as standard procedures.
In summary, PDCA is related to quality control. It is a tool capable of providing data on processes that need to be improved in pursuit of new goals for the organization.
SWOT analysis
Also known as a F.O.F.A. spreadsheet, SWOT analysis allows for an examination of the scenario based on the following points:
LStrengths;
WWeaknesses;
Actio’sOpportunities;
TThreads or Threats.
SWOT enables the analysis of both the external or macroenvironment and the internal or microenvironment of the organization.
Once the entire scenario is known, the manager becomes able to develop strategies aiming to take advantage of opportunities and the company's strengths, as well as to manage threats and reduce risks, and to find ways to minimize or correct the company's weaknesses.
The data generated from each analysis can serve as a parameter for the organization's evolution over the years, as well as for the success or failure of actions taken in each period.
Do you use any other tools when developing your company's strategic plan? Leave your comment!
