Important Strategic Planning Skills for Workplace Success

Important Strategic Planning Skills for Workplace SuccessImportant Strategic Planning Skills for Workplace SuccessThe needs of customers and organizations (large and small) are changing at the speed of technology and increased diversity. More than ever, businesses need strategic thinkers. Strategic planning is an important skill for a number of jobs. While some people hold the specific job title of strategic planner (or strategic planning associate or strategic planning manager), there are other jobs that require strategic planning skills even though strategic may not be in the positions title. Basically, management consultants, business developers, corporate developers, strategic cost analysts, and operations analysts all need strong strategic planning skills. What Are Strategic Planning Skills? Strategic planning is the process of platzsetting a vision for a company and then realizing that vision through small, achievable goals. People who work in strategic planning help set go als, decide what actions need to be taken by employees, and help employees achieve those goals. Of course, each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the job description carefully and focus on the required skills listed by the employer. Types of Strategic Planning Skills Analytical People working in strategic planning need to be able toanalyzeand evaluate a companys business plan. They have to be skilled in market analysis, feasibilityanalysis, and more. Only through an analytical eye can strategic planners decide what steps a company needs to take. Attention to DetailCalculating Costs for ImplementationCritical ThinkingDefining Mechanisms for InputDefining Purpose of the Strategic Planning ProcessDeveloping a Plan for Implementing StrategiesLogical ThinkingInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningSystematic Thinking Communication A large part of a strategic planners job iscommunicatinga business plan to employers and employees. They hav e to explain (by both speaking and writing) the steps employees need to take to achieve company goals. Strategic planners also need to be activelisteners. They have to listen to the needs of the employers before devising a plan of action. They also need to listen to the concerns and ideas of their peers and subordinates. CollaborationFacilitating Group DiscussionCreating Mission/Vision StatementsHandling Constructive CriticismEngaging Reluctant Members in DiscussionsNegotiationPeople SkillsPersuasivenessPitchingPublic SpeakingMS PowerPointPresentationTactTeam BuildingTeamworkVerbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationActive Listening Decisiveness Strategic planning involves frequentdecision making. Strategic planners must select a course of action to help a company achieve its goals without constant doubts and overthought. They need to be able to examine all of the information available to them and then confidently make a thoughtful decision. DelegatingAssigning LeadersBuilding Co nsensusEstablishing Measurable Objectives for Goals/ProjectsCreating and Enforcing TimelinesPrioritizingGoal OrientedConfidence Leadership A strategic planner has to lead subordinates, peers, and supervisors towards a common goal. This takes strongleadershipskills. He or she has to inspire, motivate, and ensureall team members remain loyal to project goals. EnergeticEstablishing IncentivesCharismaFlexibilityInterpersonalManagementMotivationalRecognizing the Contributions of Key PlayersResourcefulness herausforderung Solving Often, strategic planners are there tosolve a problem. Perhaps a company is not meeting its financial goals, or its processes are running inefficiently. A strategic planner analyzes data related to the problemand then offers a solution. Aligning Business Practices with Emerging StrategyAssessmentBrainstormingCreativityEvaluationIdentifying ObstaclesProblem SensitivityMultitaskingStress Tolerance More Strategic Planning Skills Defining MilestonesProje ct ManagementAuditingRecruitingMemoryHuman ResourcesTalent ManagementSchedulingProcess ManagementOngoing ImprovementMarketingManufacturingSWOT AnalysisData AnalysisStatisticsResearchCustomer SegmentationRecognizing Industry TrendsIntentionalityMind Map SoftwareLong-term PlanningSustainabilityRestructuringRisk ManagementBenchmarkingCausal Relationships How to Make Your Skills Stand Out Add Relevant Skills to Your Resume You can use these skill words in yourresumeby including these keywords in descriptions throughoutyour work history.Highlight Skills in Your Cover Letter In the body of your cover letter, try to mention one or two of these skills and givespecific examples of how you have demonstrated those skills in the workplace.Use Skill Words in Your Job Interview Make sure you have at least one example of a time you demonstrated each of the top skills listed above.