How To Build A Sustainable Strategy: A Four-Phase Guide To Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is one of the most consequential responsibilities of any executive team, yet it’s often misunderstood. Effective planning requires a combination of disciplined thinking, structured analysis, and actionable execution. A strategic plan is not a book that can be put on the shelf but a living, adaptable document that must guide daily decisionmaking. This month, we outline a four-phase “how to” process that every executive team operating in complex and rapidly evolving health and human service markets can use to ensure clarity, feasibility, and long-term sustainability.

Phase I: Situation Analysis—Where We Are & Where We . . .