The CEO's Roadmap: Strategic Planning Made Simple
When I was stuck in operator mode, I was always reacting. Now, as CEO, I'm directing. The difference? Strategic planning. But let's be honest – most planning advice out there is better suited for Fortune 500 companies than businesses like ours.
Here's the streamlined approach I use to keep my business focused and growing:
Start with quarterly planning sessions. Block out a full day (yes, a full day) every three months. Review what worked, what didn't, and set clear priorities for the next quarter.
Use the "1-3-5" rule: focus on one major goal, three key projects, and five essential metrics each quarter. This keeps you focused without getting overwhelmed.
Meet with your team weekly, but keep it brief – 30 minutes maximum. Share updates on the key metrics, address roadblocks, and maintain alignment with your quarterly goals.
The game-changer for me was creating a "CEO Dashboard" – a single page with my key metrics that I review daily. This keeps me focused on what matters most.