Rowing in the Same Direction: How the strategic and operational plan interact.

Are we siloed because we don’t confirm our work actually supports the organizational strategy? Do we just jump in our work wheel and run, without confirming our wheel is pointed in the same direction as the established organizational strategy? If we aligned perfectly with the established strategy, would siloing diminish?  

Strategy work is a big part of what we at Turnkey do within our social good community. That work typically results in a strategic plan for an organization or even for an initiative. With that strategic plan, paired like goat cheese and a great chardonnay, is the operational plan.  

Both the strategic and operational plans are needed to achieve the highest and best results for an organization. I, personally, have been guilty of being far too operationally-minded for most of my career. My brain jumped straight to the steps required to implement a strategy for my organization. More than once I have made the mistake of going to solution on an emergent issue too quickly. A better path would be to take a step back and look at the place we are trying to get to, and the why behind it all. What I failed to do is hold up the strategy lens to the solution I am proposing in the moment. And sometimes my quick action caused or reinforced a silo. I was not in alignment with the strategy, although I was working hard to solve a problem.  

What if we are siloed because of a failure to differentiate strategy and operations? What if the people inside the silos are doing what I did, simply jumping straight to solution instead of matching the work against the established strategy?  

Strategic and operational plans serve different purposes within a business but are both essential for overall success. Here's an overview of each: 

Strategic Plan: 

• Purpose: A strategic plan outlines the long-term goals and objectives of a business. It provides a roadmap for the entire organization and helps align its activities with the overall mission. 

• Timeframe: Typically covers three to five years or even longer. 

• Focus: It focuses on the big picture, addressing questions such as market positioning, competitive advantage, expansion, and major investments. 

• Key Components: Includes elements like mission and vision statements, goals and objectives, SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), and strategies for achieving long-term success. 

Operational Plan: 

• Purpose: An operational plan translates the strategic plan into specific actions. It outlines the day-to-day tasks and activities required to implement the strategic objectives. 

• Timeframe: Usually covers a shorter period, often one year. 

• Focus: It deals with the practical details of how the organization will achieve its strategic goals. This includes resource allocation, budgeting, staffing, and other operational processes. 

• Key Components: Includes details on budgets, key performance indicators (KPIs), timelines, responsibilities, and specific action plans for various departments or teams. 

Why Both Plans Need Each Other: 

1. Alignment: EVERYONE ROWING IN THE SAME DIRECTION! The strategic plan sets the direction and vision, ensuring that everyone in the organization is moving toward common goals. The operational plan then ensures that day-to-day activities are aligned with and contribute to these broader objectives. 

2. Flexibility: THEY BOTH HAVE IT! Strategic plans are generally less detailed and flexible, allowing for adjustments over the long term. Operational plans provide the flexibility needed to adapt to changing circumstances in the short term. 

3. Communication: THE DECIDING FACTOR IN SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF BOTH! Strategic plans are often communicated externally to stakeholders, while operational plans are used internally to guide daily activities. Both plans contribute to transparent communication within and outside the organization. 

4. Performance Measurement: WHO IS WATCHING THE BOAT’S DIRECTION? The operational plan establishes specific, measurable targets and KPIs, allowing the organization to assess its progress toward achieving strategic goals. The strategic plan needs this progress measuring.  

Turnkey For Good helps bring these two important efforts together and allow organizations to achieve their goals. Does your organization have both? How do you communicate successfully? We would love to hear from you about the success you are achieving.