Purpose
To rethink strategies and action plans in light of sudden crises or game changing developments. The strategic rethink approach can also be useful for proactive crisis contingency planning when significant developments are anticipated.

Outcomes
The process can be framed as a rethink of an earlier plan, as the preparation of an ‘all-new’ plan, or as a proactive ‘what-if’ contingency plan. There are two key outcomes:

• An updated strategic plan that includes a discussion of the new business environment and the organization’s positioning within it.
• A clear (new or restated) statement of the collective vision together with updated and broadly supported strategies, action plans, resource allocations, risk mitigations, and schedules.

The new business environment is characterized as a series of trends, uncertainties (risks) and constant expectations. The revised strategic ambition is illustrated on a single page strategy map with supporting text narrative discussing thrusts, strategic objectives and their inter-relationships. The action plan defines projects, addresses key risks and resource availabilities, and presents the overall timeline as a program master schedule.

Format
Strategic Rethink Planning is offered in two formats; a complete planning process and a ‘lite’ workshop dialogue. The collective vision is first revisited to ensure it remains valid for the newly emerged (or emerging) context and then a structured plan review re-evaluates strategic intentions, project priorities, schedules and resource commitments for achieving the vision in the new context. Adjustments can then be initiated as necessary.

Vision & Strategy Validation
The process begins with a familiarization and information gathering interview with the CEO or equivalent leader and a review of any available existing plans and their background. Group working sessions are then used to characterize the new business environment and probable scenarios, rethink the vision and then revisit the strategy.

Structured Plan Review
Further group working sessions are used to reprioritize planned projects and re-sequence them to drive the strategy forward. Once the overall action plan is settled, new or updated charters are prepared for each project; setting the scene for detailed planning and combining to reveal resource requirements. The overall plan can then be documented, validated and approved.

Please call 403-219-2222 to discuss your requirements or email us at info@chinooksolutions.com