As the year draws to a close, many organizations are already looking toward 2025, envisioning new opportunities, tackling fresh challenges, and refining their goals. The first step toward realizing these ambitions? A well-structured strategic planning process. But effective planning doesn’t happen overnight—it begins with laying a strong foundation.

At CMA, we’ve guided countless organizations through the strategic planning process, and we know one truth stands out: Preparation is the key to success. Here’s how you can start setting the stage for a strategic planning process that leads to impactful outcomes.

Why Strategic Planning Matters

Strategic planning helps organizations clarify their direction, align resources, and prioritize efforts to achieve long-term success. It’s a chance to step back, evaluate what’s working, and intentionally shape the future.
Done right, it can:

• Unite Teams under a shared vision and mission.
• Enhance Decision-Making with clear priorities.
• Drive Adaptability by preparing for challenges and opportunities.

However, without proper preparation, the process can lack focus, leading to diluted efforts and missed opportunities.

Three Essential Preparation Steps

1. Identify Key Stakeholders

Strategic planning isn’t just for the leadership team—it’s for the entire organization. Start by identifying who should have a voice in the process:

• Internal Stakeholders: Leadership, management, and key team members who represent critical functions.
• External Stakeholders: Customers, partners, or advisors who bring outside perspectives.

Including the right mix of voices ensures that your plan is grounded in reality and reflects the needs of all who contribute to your success.

2. Review Organizational Data

Data-driven decisions are at the heart of effective planning. Before stepping into strategy sessions, assess your current state:

• What have you achieved this year?
• Where are the gaps?
• What trends or external forces are shaping your industry?

A comprehensive organizational assessment can help identify strengths and weaknesses, providing critical insights for informed decision-making.

3. Define the Scope of Planning

Clarify the purpose of your strategic plan. Will it cover three years, five years, or a different timeframe? What specific challenges or opportunities will it address? By focusing on a clear scope, you set realistic expectations and keep the process manageable.

Start Strong in 2025

The time to prepare is now. Engage your stakeholders, gather insights, and define your focus. These early steps ensure that when you enter the planning phase, your organization is positioned to create a strategy that drives results.

How CMA Can Help

At CMA, we bring expertise in strategic planning, organizational assessment, and leadership alignment. Our approach blends the art of vision setting with the science of data analysis, helping organizations like yours build plans that are both aspirational and actionable. Learn more about our strategic planning services to see how we can guide your efforts.

Ready to begin? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and set your organization on the path to success in 2025.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where we’ll explore how organizational assessments can uncover critical insights to guide your strategic planning process.