“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail!”. Day-to-day decisions are best made when the decision makers share a basic long-term practice strategy and philosophy to use as a guide. One excellent way to develop such a template is to hold an annual strategic planning meetings. ARM-G Logistics Inc. holds its 1st STRATEGIC PLANNING AND BUDGETING 2014 last September 13-14, 2013 at Fortezza, Laguna. The Company, Branches and Affiliates undergo series of discussions and coaching a month before the date to ensure that a fruitful and productive convention during the presentation would be observed. It became a simple yet dynamic opportunity for the group to refocus its attention on what is most important and to stretch its members in areas where the status quo needs to be challenged. It does not have to be rigid, complex or boring. And it certainly is not a magical process that will ensure the group’s success.

Simply put, a Strategic Plan is the formalized road map that describes how ARM-G executes the chosen strategy. The same spells out where our organization is going over the next year or more and how it’s going to get there. Typically, the plan is organization-wide or focused on a major function. It is a management tool that serves the purpose of helping an organization do a better job, because a plan focuses the energy, resources, and time of everyone in the organization.

During the process, the group identified five keys to success in the planning, design, implementation and follow-up of the plan. Our Board and Management must have a clear sense of direction and purpose, as well as validation of that purpose. This in turn helps the organization pull together with commitment and consensus to do what needs to occur in the near future. Having a clear Mission, Vision, and Operating plan is like setting your compass to the North Pole: everyone knows where you’re headed and this aligns energies in the same direction.

By: RLI Chief Operating Officer