The document provides guidance on how to use a strategic planning template. It recommends reviewing and customizing the plan structure and levels (themes, goals, objectives, etc.). The user is instructed to identify strategic themes for the coming year, create goals, objectives, strategies and tactics with details like owners and timelines. It emphasizes making the plan measurable and aligned across levels. The document also provides tips for ensuring successful execution including tracking and monitoring progress.

1. STRATEGIC PLAN
TEMPLATE

2. 2
HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE
REVIEW AND UPDATE THE PLAN STRUCTURE
• Slide 5: Review our recommendations. Edit ‘level’ names and definitions to match your organization. E.g. If you call
Objectives ‘KPIs’, update accordingly.
• If guidance is needed, read “How to Tell if Your Plan is Structured for Execution”
• Slide 6: Use slides 6 to give an example of how the plan levels cascade in your organization
. . . . . . 05
. . . . . . 06
IDENTIFY STRATEGIC THEMES
• Slide 7: Outline and communicate your Strategic Themes for the coming year.
• Note: The values currently available are simple examples. If you don’t have five themes, or have more than five
themes, adjust accordingly.
. . . . . . 07
CREATE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES & TACTICS
• We HIGHLY recommend involving your team/organization in the planning process. Read “Strategic Planning Takes a Village”
• Slide 8: Use this as an example. Use the additional slides to add detail to the plan.
• Note: The number of slides & rows are basic guidelines. Add more or remove as needed. Below are guidelines for how many
items you should build for each level
. . . . . . 08
Every organization has a different method of planning.
This template should act as a guide to create the best possible plan for your organization
• THEME: 3-5 total
• GOAL: 1-3 per Theme
• OBJECTIVE: 1-2 per Goal
• STRATEGY: 2-5 per Objective
• TACTIC: 2-5 per Strategy
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

3. 3
HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE (CONT.)
ENSURE YOUR PLAN IS STRUCTURED FOR SUCCESS
• Each item (Goal, Objective, Strategy, or Tactic) should include the following:
• Owner: Add the ONE person who is ultimately accountable
• Timeline: Add a start & due date for when this item will be worked on and due
MAKE IT MEASURABLE
• Your plan should include ‘quantifiable outcomes’ at some level (e.g. Objective)
• “What gets measured gets managed”- Include a way to measure success outlines the success of your plan
throughout the year.
• The outcome should guide whether success in the “Goal” has been met, and can be to increase a value,
decrease a value, or maintain a value
ENSURE ALIGNMENT
• Create alignment with cascading elements that support and connect (See example on Slide 6)
• For more guidance on Steps 4-6, read about “Plan Optimization: The Last Mile of Strategy”
. . . . . . 06
CREATE A PROCESS FOR EXECUTION
• Ensure you plan has the best chance for success & create a process to track, monitor, and manage the plan
• For an example, read the Common Challenges of Plan Execution
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7

4. 4
Collect plan updates with ease
Increase visibility across all your plans
Align plans and initiatives across the organization
Improve accountability
WANT TO INCREASE THE SUCCESS OF YOUR PLAN?
SEE YOUR PLAN IN ACTION
Bring it to life with AchieveIt:
Email sales@achieveit.com or fill out this form for a free walkthrough.
INTERESTED IN SEEING YOUR PLAN IN ACTION?
Attach a copy of this template (or another template) to the
email or reference this template and we will create a custom
demonstration with YOUR information.

5. 5
DEFINITIONS
See how the following terms align with the verbiage you use in
your plan, then adjust the following examples accordingly.
01 T H E M E S
High level areas of focus
02 G OA L S
A sentence or two that describes what good looks like
03 O B J E C T I V E S
Quantitative measurements tied to a goal​
- Can you put the words increase, decrease and maintain
in the name of the objective?​
04 S T R AT E G I E S
Big projects / initiatives that will help you move your
objectives in the right direction​
05 TA C T I C S
Specific action items that would help you achieve your
strategies​

6. 6
PLAN HIERARCHY: 5 LEVEL PLAN EXAMPLE
Overhaul commission & bonus structure (internal sales only)
TA C T I C
Develop (account-specific) sales strategy & structure
S T R AT E G Y
Increase sales by $5M by 12/31
O B J E C T I V E
Grow the organization by 50% YOY
G O A L
Growth
T H E M E

7. 7
ANNUAL STRATEGIC THEMES
THEME 1: GROWTH
THEME 2: CUSTOMER
THEME 3: PEOPLE & DIVERSITY
THEME 4: OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
THEME 5: SUSTAINABILITY

8. 8
GOAL
Grow the organization 50% YOY
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner: Cindy Johnson
Increase sales by $5m by 12/31
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner: Danny Taylor
Increase retention by 10% by 12/31
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 - Develop (account-specific) sales strategy and structure Matt Smith 1/1 13/31 On Track Obj 1
S2 - Develop annual channel marketing / promotional plan John Wyatt 6/1 12/31 Not Started Obj 1
S3 - Develop annual KPIs / Scorecard to be reviewed monthly Hollis House 1/1 7/31 Off Track Obj 2
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1. Product assortment to align to account-specific approach John Wyatt 1/1 11/30 On Track Strat 1
2. Account Specific Sales Strategy and Structure Tammy James 3/1 12/5 Not Started Strat 1
3. Acct-specific annual marketing plan Pam Baker 1/1 12/30 Off Track Strat 1
4. Implement new CRM (Salesforce) Allison Parker 4/15 3/1 Not Started Strat 2
5. Overhaul commission and bonus structure (internal sales only) Toby Watkins 6/1 12/5 At Risk Strat 2
6. Explore loyalty program with independent channel Hollis House 7/15 12/30 On Track Strat 3
7. Develop and execute salesperson training Olivia Taylor 1/1 12/30 On Track Strat 3
8. Restructure customer service to better serve interior design John Wyatt 1/1 5/30 On Track Strat 3
50%
Grow the organization 50% YOY
Aligns to: GROWTH
EXAMPL
E

9. 9
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

10. 10
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

11. 11
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

12. 12
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

13. 13
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

14. 14
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

15. 15
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

16. 16
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

17. 17
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

18. 18
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

19. 19
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

20. 20
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

21. 21
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

22. 22
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

23. 23
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X

24. 24
GOAL
Broad aims that define accomplishment of the mission.
OBJECTIVE 1 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
OBJECTIVE 2 Owner:
(Verb) (Item) by (Date)
ACTION PLAN
Strategies Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
S1 -
S2 -
S3 -
Tactics Owner Start Date Due Date Initial Status Aligns to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XX
Item
Aligns to: THEME X