How to Use the Strategic Clarity Questions in a Strategic Planning Session

 

Previously, I posted about six strategic clarity questions that every organization needs to answer. These questions form the foundation of our strategy. They drive decisions and action.

This week, I facilitated a strategic planning session for an organization where we leveraged these six questions to guide the conversation and shape the outcomes. Here are some insights in the format of a flow that you can use to enhance your next strategic planning session.

Here are the six clarity questions:

1. Why do we exist? (our purpose)
2. How will we behave? (our core values)
3. What do we do? (what business we are in)
4. How will we succeed? (our three strategic anchors)
5. What is most important right now? (our rallying cry)
6. Who will do what?

Here’s how you can use the questions in your own strategic planning session flow to create additional clarity that drives real decisions and action:

Part 1: Start with the Destination

• Vision – Where do we want to be in 3–5 years? The Vision describes our destination.
• Mission – Why do we exist? (Question 1) The Mission describes our reason for going on the journey. 

Part 2: Understand the Current State

• SWOT Analysis – What’s happening inside and outside the organization that we need to respond to?

Part 3: Build a Strategy

• Strategic Anchors – How will we succeed? (Question 4)
  Define 2–3 core pillars / competencies where you must excel to achieve your vision. This creates the foundation for your objectives.
• Core Values – How will we behave? (Question 2)
  What do we need to embody as a team (think behaviors) to achieve the vision?
• Strategic Objectives – Based on your SWOT and anchors, what specific initiatives will move the mission forward and help us achieve the vision?
• Prioritization – Use a simple impact/effort grid to decide which objectives to pursue now, later, or not at all. Then organize them into a 3-year roadmap.

Part 4: Move from Planning to Action

• Rallying Cry – What is most important right now? (Question 5)
  Choose one clear priority for the next 6–9 months to build momentum.
• Ownership – Who will do what? (Question 6)
  Clarify who’s responsible for which pieces-and when.

If you’d like help walking your team or board through this kind of process-or just want to bounce ideas-feel free to reach out.