Customer Reviews

The Executive Guide to Strategic Planning (Jossey-Bass Management)

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This is not a guide for those looking for in-depth knowledge on Strategic Planning. Rather it is a very useful tool in the process of getting a team of managers together and producing a Strategic Plan. It focuses on results whilst under a time pressure and gets you to the point of having a plan that you can work to and produce results. Although aimed at the CEO or leader I have found it works best when each member of the team is given a copy of the book so that they then understand the process being followed. This leads to quicker a consensus amongst the team on the areas covered within the plan.

I still think this is one of the best books on strategic planning. Published in 1987, the book has the best description of the strategic planning process. One of the authors, George L. Morrissey, expanded the material into a three-book series entitled Morrisey on Planning in 1997. The first book of the series is A Guide to Strategic Thinking: Building YOur Planning Foundation, the second is A Guide to Long-Range Planning: Creating Your Strategic Journey, and the third is A Guide to Tactical Planning; Producing Your Short-Term Results.

In this series, George takes a potentially complex process (strategic, long range, and tactical planning) and links all the planning components together. He makes clear connections between strategy, long term objectives and plans and tactical decision making. He translates planning theory into meaningful, practical principles that all can understand (even the CEO!).

As a facilitator, I really appreciate George's explanation of how to plan. I have incorporated much of his philosopy in my practice and I am honored to recommend his books to all who are interested in successfully planning for the future.

This is the foundation of a very strong performance management system. The Intergrated Planning Process is one that truly transforms the planning process into a management tool. I have used the system in McDonald's and other companies and it has application to all levels within the organization.

Bob Melberth