The Benefits of Strategic Plan Co-creation with Your Team

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the journey to success is often paved with collaboration, innovation, and the collective efforts of an entire team. Business Coaches recognise the power of strategic plan co-creation with teams, highlighting the profound impact it can have on a company’s growth and dynamics. Let’s delve into their insights and discover the numerous advantages of involving your team in the strategic planning process.

Aligning the Collective Vision

Jeremy Barker, Business Coach from Allus Ventures, underlines the significance of steering the ship together. In many organisations, strong leaders often chart the course based on their vision. However, Jeremy believes that involving the collective knowledge of the team can yield tremendous results. He notes, “If you’re all rowing in the same direction, then the boat will go a lot faster.” Co-creating the strategic plan not only refines the owner’s perspective but also harnesses the enthusiasm of the entire team, propelling the company forward.

Empowering Every Voice

Polly Venning, Trusted Business Advisor at PV Growth Advisors, emphasises how co-creation empowers even the quietest voices in an organisation. She observes a transformation in individuals who may have previously shied away from sharing their ideas. Polly explains, “You provide an environment where that can happen, not judgmentally, and we’re open to it. It’s quite empowering on all levels.” When team members feel heard and valued, it creates a sense of trust and safety that fosters innovation and creativity.

Shifting from Top-Down to Bottom-Up

Polly also highlights a common misconception among business owners – the belief that they must oversee every aspect of the company. “Strategic plan co-creation allows leaders to take a step back and let ideas flow from the bottom up,” says Polly. “When strategies come from the top down, they often have less impact than when they originate from the team. This shift from a top-down approach to a bottom-up one can be transformative, placing the team at the forefront of decision-making.”

Enhancing Team Dynamics

Luke Kenniff, Business Coach at Harvest, highlights how strategic plan co-creation strengthens team dynamics. The traditional silo mentality, where departments operate independently, is dismantled in favour of a customer-centric approach. Luke notes, “It brings them together, focusing on the central point being the customer. By working collectively to achieve strategic goals, team members foster a deeper sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.”

Recognising and Leveraging Strengths

Joe Ippolito, Business Advisor at Sharp Business Acumen, emphasises the co-creation model’s ability to highlight team members’ strengths. “Each individual brings a unique set of attributes to the table,” says Joe. “Involving them in the planning process allows everyone to appreciate and value each other’s contributions.” Joe notes that this involvement fosters a sense of value among team members and encourages their active participation in various aspects of the company.

Driving Engagement and Focus on the Big Picture

Graham Bell, Business Coach, Bell Management Consultants, emphasises that while engagement is often discussed, it can be challenging to achieve. “The Where and The Why strategic planning workshop is a powerful tool for swiftly engaging everyone in the organisation and refocusing their attention on the big picture and the company’s core objectives.”

Incorporating team input into the strategic planning process is more than just a trend; it’s a strategy that enhances innovation, nurtures talent, and propels businesses toward long-term success. Business Coaches recognise that the path to success is smoother when every team member has a stake in charting the course.