Check list for the holding of a Session of the strategic planning

A strategic planning session should be held at least once per year as participating with all managers and executives services with good knowledge and experience in the field. Bring a copy of your business plan so that it can serve you reference when needed. Remember that the purpose of the meeting, which is to evaluate the projects and goals past and develop new strategies based on the opportunities discovered through your study and your market analysis.

Use the following checklist to help conduct more effective strategic planning sessions:

• The meeting must be held outside your offices in a well-appointed place to make participants feel relaxed but away from distractions.
• Make sure that everyone knows that he will be treated in the same way and that everyone has an equal voice in terms of suggestions and criticism.
• To create a comfortable atmosphere, ask that everyone dresses up in a relaxed manner.
• Encourage the discussion of the topics on the agenda of the day. This will allow not only to foster more brainstorming as the meeting progresses, but will help to better define the subject and its interest.
• Don't let not the meeting switch to endless criticism. Turn highlight the points that deserve attention, and when you discuss weaknesses, explain what suggestions do not fit the scope of the company's strategy.
• Do not try to prioritize topics arising from the meeting. Strategic planning session is first and foremost a brainstorming session where ideas are explored in relations with their strategic impact on the company.
• Don't expect that everyone bring a Notepad and a pen. Plan in.
• Make sure that you address enough each subject before moving on to another. Do not forget that you are considering strategic solutions. When you tackle each subject, plan a schedule of actions to be undertaken at the end of the meeting.
• Write a summary of the meeting and distribute it to the entire team of strategic planning. Don't forget to include follow-up sessions to assess the progress made by each.