First it's helpful to revisit, check or define the foundations of
your business or organization. What are your fundamental aims and values? What
is your ultimate purpose?
Is your underpinning philosophy congruent (consistent) with your
planned business activities, operations and aims? (See the
leadership page for explanation of how
underpinning purpose and philosophy are so important for leadership, as well as
for strategy and marketing.)
Below is a simple template for checking that you have the
foundations and building blocks in place. If not, then decide (as far as you
can, because it's generally the CEO's call) what they should be, because all
good marketing plans need to have solid foundations first.
As regards the fundamental philosophical aspects see the sections on
ethical organizations and corporate
responsibility and the Psychological Contract. These
concepts are deeper than tools and processes and mission statements - having
a sound philosophy and ethical position determines and protects the spirit and
integrity of your organization.
When it comes to defining more detailed aspects of mission and
strategy, of course there's degree of 'chicken and egg' here: How can you know
your Mission until you validate it with your potential customers? How can you
establish objectives and goals without consulting and involving your staff?
These later stages obviously need to be put in place and refined when you are
in position to do so without guessing or assuming, as the planning develops;
even so, use the framework as a firm reminder to make sure you fill in the
boxes when you are able - don't leave these issues floating undecided, or
defaulting back to X-Theory autocracy (which they
generally do where a vacuum exists). If in doubt, always err on the side of
what is good and right and proper, which is another good reason for having a
sound ethical position: it always provides a reliable reference point. In the
absence of everything else - tools, processes, clarity of responsibility (who
does what), etc - having a sound and well understood philosophy and ethical
position will always help people to make good decisions.
Build from the bottom upwards. Consult and involve people affected
and involved wherever relevant. You will see many different versions and
interpretations of this framework. The principles are similar although the
words might change. A business or an organisation is built on values and
philosophy. Increasingly in the modern age, customers and staff are not
prepared to sustain commitment to organisations whose philosophy and values are
misaligned with their own personal ideals. Ten years ago organisational
planning paid very little regard to values and philosophy. Customers were
satisfied with quality at the right price. Staff were satisfied with a decent
wage and working conditions. Today things are different. Organisations of all
sorts must now cater for a more enlightened workforce and market-place.
When considering these planning stages start from the bottom
upwards. This will help to reinforce the point that planning is about building
from the foundations upwards, and that the stronger the foundations, then the
stronger the organisation will be.
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