Growth & Need For Strategic Planning

Companies and even nations that had a compelling vision become successful over a period of time, as long as they follow up with strategy and planning

- Ashoke K Maitra

Almost all entrepreneurs without exception want their businesses to grow. Almost every premier of a country wants his/her nation to do well. this is a wish. This may get fulfilled or may just remain a wish. It will depend upon vision, strategy, and plans.

Based on our management practice over 16 years, let us examine what contributes to sustainable growth.

Jim Collins, In his path-breaking book Built To Last, found that companies and even nations that had a compelling vision became very successful over a sustainable period of time.

For example, Toyota's vision is to be the best and biggest car company in the world. British Airways always had the vision to offer maximum passenger comfort and make fliers very comfortable.

One mistake that people sometimes make is expressing their vision in numbers. Vision is a statement as to what the company or nation wants to become and be known for. The vision must inspire people to succeed and should be detailed as to what they want to achieve, in what time frame, etc.

Joel Barker, a great thought leader, has shown that nations, school children, corporations, etc., that have succeeded always had a compelling vision.