Unlock the Power of Your 2-Page Strategic Vision & Execution Plan
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, clarity and focus are paramount. Many companies struggle to stay aligned with their long-term vision, especially when daily tasks and unforeseen challenges pull them in multiple directions. That’s where a 2-page strategic vision and execution plan can be a game-changer.
At Zumasys, we recently worked with Tim Garrett, a Pinnacle business guide, to create a streamlined, highly effective two-page business plan. Tim’s expertise helped us distill our goals, align our teams, and cut through the complexity that often bogs businesses down. The simplicity and focus of this plan has provided our leadership with the clarity needed to drive meaningful progress.
Why a 2-Page Plan?
As businesses grow, complexity increases. Whether you’re a CEO or a mid-level manager, it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds. A guiding North Star, like a 2-page strategic plan, allows you to stay on track amidst the chaos. As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, says, “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice.”
The two-page plan emphasizes intentionality. It’s a tool that encourages leaders to stop reacting to daily fires and start working towards their ultimate business goals. It answers critical questions like “Which way are we going?”, “How are we getting there?”, and “Why are we going there?” – questions that often get lost in the day-to-day operations.
The Components of a 2-Page Strategic Plan
- Core Purpose and Values: Start with the big picture. Why does your company exist? What is your core purpose? This should be inspirational not only to you but to your entire team. Tim emphasizes that core values must influence daily decisions and be evident in actions across all levels of the organization.
- The Pinnacle Goal: This is your big, long-term vision, typically 7-10 years out. Tim calls this the “big fulfilling, inspiring goal” that keeps your team motivated.
- Midterm Milestones: These are your 5-year goals, breaking down the path to your Pinnacle.
- Annual Growth Plan: What do you need to achieve this year to stay on track?
- Quarterly Execution: This is where the rubber meets the road – your 90-day action plan.
People First: The Talent Assessment
One of the most valuable insights from Tim’s presentation is the importance of talent alignment. You need the right people in the right seats. Tim uses a talent assessment model to categorize team members:
- A-players: High productivity and cultural fit
- B-players: Either high productivity or cultural fit, but need coaching
- C-players: Those who may not align at all
The goal is to maximize A-players, help B-players step up, and make tough decisions about C-players. This assessment helps ensure your team is capable of executing your strategic plan.
Crafting Your Flywheel
Tim introduced the concept of a business flywheel, similar to Amazon’s model. This is a visual representation of how your business creates and maintains momentum. It typically includes steps like acquiring customers, delivering exceptional experiences, generating repeat business and referrals, and promoting success stories. Defining your flywheel helps clarify your business strategy and how each part of your operation contributes to overall success.
FAST Rocks: Setting and Achieving Quarterly Goals
Tim emphasizes the importance of setting “rocks” – your top priorities for the quarter. He uses the FAST acronym:
- Frequently reviewed
- Ambitious
- Specific
- Transparent
By setting FAST rocks and reviewing them weekly, you ensure that your most important goals get the attention they deserve.
Playbooks: Streamlining Your Operations
Playbooks are simplified guides for how different parts of your business should operate. They’re not detailed SOPs, but rather bullet-point lists of key steps for processes like client onboarding, marketing, or project management. Regularly reviewing and optimizing these playbooks helps your business run more smoothly and consistently.
Execution: Making It Happen
Tim advocates for a structured approach to meetings that align with the plan:
- Daily standups: Quick check-ins to keep the team aligned
- Weekly tactical meetings: 90-minute sessions to review progress on rocks and address key issues
- Monthly financial reviews: Deep dives into the numbers to ensure you’re on track
These meetings, when tied to your two-page plan, help maintain focus and ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Bringing It All Together
The power of a two-page strategic plan lies in its simplicity. By focusing on the essentials and ensuring that your team is aligned with your long-term vision, you can unlock tremendous growth and success.
If your business feels like it’s constantly fighting fires, consider implementing this two-page approach. It’s not just about creating a plan, but about executing it effectively, keeping your team focused on the biggest priorities, and driving consistent progress toward your goals.