Strategic planning is a rigorous process. It is full of deep discovery, fresh insights, “aha” moments, and a competitive spirit. In the end, the goal is to gain alignment at the leadership level for the next 3-5 years. When the strategic plan is complete, it can feel invigorating.

While you might have an extra “kick in your step” heading to the office the following day, reality hits quickly and your day job can regain control of your work life in short order. Before your strategic planning process becomes a distant memory, be sure to make implementation a priority by following these key steps:

1. Make sure each functional leader leaves with a copy of their goals and a tracking mechanism to follow up with
2. Set your first follow up one-on-one within 30 days and a peer presentation date a just few short weeks later
3. Be sure functional leaders are setting SMART goals that are aligned with the agreed-upon plan
4. Create incentive compensation plans tied directly to strategic plan goal achievement
5. Evaluate strategic plan goal achievement as part of the annual employee review process

Finally, be sure to get offsite again within a year and evaluate the progress made, or lack thereof. Listen to your team and make the necessary adjustments needed to move forward. Implementation is a never-ending part of the strategic process. By making implementation a priority you can greatly increase the success of your strategic plan.