Let’s face it: strategic planning can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris. You’ve got all these pieces—goals, resources, timelines—falling into place, and you have to fit them all together before the music speeds up and everything crashes down. But here’s the plot twist: even if you’re a Tetris master, if your strategic plan doesn’t align with your company culture, you’re setting yourself up for a game over.

So, why is alignment such a big deal? Picture this: You’re steering a ship (your organization) toward a beautiful, sunlit island (your strategic goals). But your crew (your employees) think you’re heading to an entirely different island. Now, you’ve got people rowing in different directions, some jumping ship altogether, and you, the captain, are left wondering why no one’s following the plan. Sound familiar? That’s what happens when strategy and culture don’t see eye to eye.

But don’t worry! This isn’t a solo mission. Strategic planning doesn’t have to be something you figure out on your own—especially when it involves aligning with company culture. That’s where a facilitator comes into play, helping you navigate the tricky waters and ensure everyone’s rowing in sync. Let’s dive into some tips to keep your strategy and culture aligned and how a professional facilitator can make all the difference.

Step 1: Know Thy Culture

First things first—do you really know your company culture? We’re not just talking about the foosball table in the break room or the annual company retreat. We mean the real culture: the unspoken norms, values, and behaviours that drive your team every day. Is your culture all about innovation and risk-taking, or do you lean toward stability and process?

Here’s where a strategic planning facilitator can be a game-changer. A good facilitator will help you peel back the layers of your company culture, asking the right questions to uncover the core values that drive your team. We bring an outsider’s perspective, which means we can spot things you might overlook. Understanding your culture is like knowing the rules of the game—it’s a lot easier to play (and win) when you know what you’re working with.

Step 2: Make Culture the Star of the Strategy Show

Once you’ve got a handle on your culture, it’s time to let it take centre stage in your strategic plan. Think of culture as the foundation of your strategy—the glue that holds everything together. When your strategic goals align with your culture, your team is more likely to embrace the plan, take ownership, and drive it forward with passion.

But let’s be real: ensuring this alignment isn’t always straightforward. That’s another area where a facilitator can help. We guide discussions and help you see where your culture naturally supports your goals—and where it might clash. We help you craft a strategy that feels like a natural extension of your culture, so your team is not just following a plan—they’re living it.

Step 3: Check Your Strategy’s Pulse

Strategic plans aren’t meant to be set in stone. They’re living, breathing documents that need to evolve along with your company. Just like you wouldn’t wear the same outfit every day, you shouldn’t expect your strategy to stay the same year after year. Regularly checking in on your plan to make sure it still aligns with your culture is key.

Here’s where a facilitator’s role becomes even more critical. We can help you set up regular strategic check-ins, or mid-plan reviews, ensuring that your plan evolves as your company grows and changes. We can facilitate these sessions, keeping everyone focused and ensuring that your strategy stays fresh and relevant.

Step 4: Get Everyone on Board

Alignment isn’t just a top-down thing. It’s got to be a company-wide effort. That means getting everyone from the CEO to the newest intern on the same page. But let’s be honest: getting everyone aligned can be easier said than done.

That’s why having a facilitator is so valuable. We work on creating buy-in across the board. Whether it’s leading a workshop, facilitating a team-building exercise, or simply helping to communicate the strategy in a way that resonates with your culture, we can ensure everyone’s on the same page and rowing in the same direction.

Step 5: Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate when your strategy and culture align and lead to success. Whether it’s a major milestone or a small victory, take the time to recognize and reward the efforts of your team. This not only reinforces the importance of alignment but also keeps everyone motivated and engaged.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, strategic planning is all about direction. But if your strategy isn’t aligned with your company culture, you’re steering your ship off course. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities, ensuring your plan and culture are not just compatible, but a powerful combination that drives success.

So, let’s make sure your strategic plan and company culture are playing the same tune—because when they are, that’s when the magic happens. And who doesn’t love a little magic in their workday?

Ready to get started? Let’s chat.