Strategic Planning in an organization can be simple or complex while aiding in critical decision making processes by leaders. Reviewing and building on the plan from the prior year can save a lot of time when developing a plan for the current year. Frequently, leaders attempt to write extremely broad plans that will be all things to clients or customers which can present major challenges. A key to developing a successful strategic plan is to understand who the stakeholders are inside and outside of the organization. I recall sitting in a senior leadership meeting and engaging in a debate over who was the organization’s major stakeholder due to the size of budgets of various departments and losing focus on the mission of the organization. Members of the leadership team need to have a clear understanding of who the stakeholders are and how they align with the mission. The Strategic Plan should assist the organization throughout the year in making key decisions. Typically, the plan contains three major parts: vision and/or mission, initiatives and strategies and adequate budgetary resources. The plan should also include action items, designated responsible leaders, and defined timelines. It is always advisable to establish priority goals that can be fully supported and realistically accomplished. All employees should be educated on the plan to ensure they understand their roles in the implementation process. Well planned strategies can lead to successful outcomes, satisfied customers and enhanced staff productivity.