What should an enterprise pursue – a goal or a purpose?

When asked, many business owners and leaders are quite happy to talk in terms of creating shareholder value or a return on investment. And when pressed, they see no reason other than that for the business to exist. ...more

Traditional planning does not work. While strategic planning is crucial for value creation, in a highly dynamic and competitive commercial environment a traditional three or five year plan rapidly falls out of date within months. Particularly one that is in the form of a tome prepared by a small number of people who are ‘in the know’. ...more

Mention “checklist” to the average person and watch the eyes roll. It’s because checklists are at best seen to be childish and unnecessary and at worst, a tick-box exercise that assaults the worth of an individual – particularly for many of the more highly educated ones. ...more

Which one to prepare first? Well, it depends on the situation.

One logical approach could be to develop the Strategic Plan first, then the Marketing Plan and finally the Financial Budget. ...more

A business is set to work to a sound and well-defined strategic plan. It has a powerful core purpose, its business objectives and tactics are clearly defined. Management is working hard to implement initiatives in operations, marketing, finance and staff. They’re pleased with the way the business seems to be developing. ...more