Strategic management is simply a process that connects the strategy to the operating cycle so that the organization thinks and acts strategically.

We become what we think about most of the time. This idea is the foundation of all personal and organizational success. But what are we thinking about most of the time? Are we thinking about ways to achieve specific goals together? Or are we distracted by unclear priorities and conflicting demands on our time and resources?

Doing things right is not enough. The only way to truly succeed is to do the right things right - and do them together. The right things are those that support our long term goals and the game plan we’ve laid out to achieve them. But to do the right things right, everyone in the organization - from the highest rung to the lowest – has to know the game plan and how they contribute to it.

But how? First, have an exciting long-term goal then develop a strategy to achieve it. Follow up by describing the goal and the strategy to everyone in the organization and help each person understand how they can best support it. Then do mostly what supports the strategy and little of what doesn’t. Finally, track progress with measures, review progress continuously and make adjustments as necessary.

Now just do it. Too often we know what’s good for us but we just can’t bring ourselves to do it. The trick is to focus on the long term benefits. Have an exciting vision (“I have a dream …”) and keep it in the collective mind of the organization. Where there’s a will, there is always a way.

Faster growth, greater profits, fully engaged employees and happier customers await you when you make strategic management your way of doing business.