Yesterday, in blog #1284, I wrote about the power of specificity, amplified by the brevity of specificity small enough to fit on a post-it note. I believe this concept can be taken further for more formal communications, specifically a one-page strategic plan.
I have seen strategic plans take many formats, and many of them are so lofty they end up on a shelf. By boiling down the essence of the plan into a one-page document, it forces the committee developing it and those implementing it to be specific about priorities. It also provides an easy format to communicate progress in the designated areas.
Here is are some examples: Dubuque Community Schools and Clarke University.
I think the one-page plan is a metaphor for how you can do all of your work: it’s pragmatic and not lofty; designed to get the job done without a lot of fanfare.
If you find yourself involved in creating a plan or working on a project, whether for your organization or yourself, make it your goal to cut out all the fluff and wiggle words. You may not achieve all of your goals, but I’ll bet you come much closer if you articulate them with specificity and brevity.
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