Strategic thinking and strategic planning are different processes requiring different skill sets. Strategic thinking deals in futures, in patterns, in trends, in nuances that require ability to sense emerging strategies in the middle of daily business chaos. Strategic planning, on the other hand, can be described in facts and quantified in numbers and action steps. Both processes are required for an organization to be successful.

In some organizations, strategic thinking is not even considered, and strategic planning is thought of as an annual event. At The Greenberg Group strategic thinking and planning are considered a direction setting process -- something a leader must do continually to ensure the organization's viability. The objective is not to have a slick-looking binder that sits on a shelf. Instead, the plan should be a living, breathing tool that guides an organization to greater profitability. Knowing where an organization wants to go, and having a road map to get there, becomes especially important during these turbulent times.

"In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." (General Dwight D. Eisenhower)

Strategic Thinking & Planning