Your client's goals clash with the strategic plan. How will you navigate this challenging scenario?

1 Assess Goals

To navigate the clash between your client's goals and the strategic plan, start by thoroughly assessing the goals in question. Understand the motivations behind them and their significance to your client. This step isn't just about listing objectives; it's about delving into the 'why' to grasp the underlying values and expectations that are driving your client's vision. Once these are clear, you'll be better equipped to identify where the friction with the strategic plan lies and can begin to work towards a resolution that respects your client's core intentions.

2 Review Plan

Next, review the strategic plan meticulously. A strategic plan is typically a roadmap for achieving long-term goals and is grounded in the realities of the business environment, resources, and market conditions. It's critical to identify which aspects of the plan are non-negotiable due to these constraints and where there might be flexibility. By understanding the plan's foundation and its pivotal points, you can pinpoint opportunities to adjust the trajectory without compromising on essential elements that ensure the business's viability and competitive edge.

3 Bridge Gaps

Bridging the gaps between your client's goals and the strategic plan is a matter of finding common ground and creating synergies. This might involve redefining certain goals, tweaking aspects of the strategic plan, or even innovating new approaches that satisfy both. Your role is to facilitate a dialogue that encourages openness to change while maintaining a focus on the ultimate objectives. It's about crafting a harmonized path forward that aligns your client's vision with the strategic imperatives of their business.

4 Communicate Clearly

Communication is key in resolving any clash between your client's goals and the strategic plan. You need to articulate the findings of your assessments and the rationale behind proposed adjustments in a way that is both clear and compelling. This includes explaining potential trade-offs and the long-term benefits of alignment. Your aim is to build consensus and buy-in, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the revised direction and are committed to its success.

5 Implement Changes

Once there is agreement on how to reconcile your client's goals with the strategic plan, it's time to implement the changes. This involves detailed planning and execution, with consideration for any implications on operations, budget, or personnel. It's important to monitor this process closely, ensuring that the adjustments are not only enacted but are effective in bringing your client's vision and the strategic plan into alignment. This stage is about turning theory into action and seeing the results of your collaborative problem-solving efforts.

6 Evaluate Outcomes

Finally, evaluating outcomes is crucial to ensure that the changes made have successfully addressed the clash between your client's goals and the strategic plan. This involves setting up metrics and feedback loops to measure performance against objectives. It's not just about confirming that the issue was resolved but also about learning from the experience to prevent similar situations in the future. Continuous evaluation helps in maintaining alignment as both your client's goals and market conditions evolve.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?