When discussing strategic planning with organizations, I often use the metaphor of a compass and a funnel. In simple terms, this is how I view the process. The compass represents the direction an organization chooses. By setting a clear direction, employees can align their efforts, and external stakeholders gain insight into where the organization is headed.

The funnel symbolizes the process of narrowing down the many potential ideas and opportunities that an organization faces. It’s tempting to pursue every great idea, but time and resources are limited. Strategic planning involves making tough decisions—saying “no” to some opportunities is just as important as saying “yes” to the right ones.

As you prepare for your own strategic planning, keep these two visuals in mind: the compass to guide your direction and the funnel to focus on your priorities.

Mary Sand, PhD
Sand Consulting
marysandphd@gmail.com