These are extraordinary times we are living in right now, and traditional approaches need to be challenged. As we enter into the busiest time of the year for annual planning, I hope you will find these tips useful.
First of all, I recommend you plan as early as possible and look hard at your long-term strategies to determine if you need to hold a separate strategy session or two to work on them. I have a lot of clients that are doing this and pressure testing their long-term vision and 3-5 year strategies for growth and profitability. There may be new opportunities that you want to capitalize on based on how customers have shifted the way they consume your goods and services.
Next, I would create an execution plan and budget based on realistic but desired targets.
Then, create a Plan B based on what you think could happen based on what you learned in 2020. Some people call this scenario or contingency planning. Whatever you call it, it is a good thing to do so you can pivot if needed. I have seen companies create Plan Bs based on a 20-30% reduction against their original targets. Some had to adjust a lot more—while others grew and had to scale up! Think about the adjustments you had to make this year and which ones you may need to make in 2026.
Ask yourself:
Plans need to be focused and tighter than ever. I have seen a few companies take a very specific market approach to where they are going to get new business this year. Being selective can be a good strategy.
I see companies focusing on 3 primary areas as they create their plans:
Think about what Plan A looks like in these areas and what would change for Plan B.
The next thing I recommend is to be agile and ready to pivot. Use data to make decisions and closely monitor what is working and what is not. Set up stop sign dashboards that have the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on them that will provide you with the insights necessary to act quickly. Speed is your friend right now. Although I normally recommend staying the course and working your 13-week plan, times are different and may require more frequent adjustments. You will have different KPIs on your dashboard based on the industry you are in, although here are a few that are more general to get you thinking:
A good Plan B allows you to take action immediately if you find yourself in an elevated crisis management situation. As noted by Peter Drucker and others, a prudent plan can be a viable strategy for predicting the future. In these uncertain times, a Plan B can be used as a practical tool for achieving a desired future outcome if things do not align with Plan A. Here is a minor major: do not stay the course just because you set it. Now is the time to be agile and adjust as necessary.
So, work your plan hard, make adjustments and solve problems. Create a Plan A and a Plan B.
Make sure the lines of communication are strong and open so you can discuss when and how to pivot. Hold Daily Huddle Meetings and have effective weekly meetings while asking the right questions. Listen for signs and new patterns to gain insights. Keep the big picture in mind, but you may need to make more frequent adjustments. Remember that speed is key and to make adjustments as quickly as possible so that you can hit your desired goals.