Strategic Planning: An Interactive Process for Leaders Paperback – August 4, 2015

This is an outstanding book on the most productive way to develop a strategic plan that is a tool to move an organization forward on not a paper weight that gets cast off like so many plans. These folks are spot on in many areas, and I used to be a planning manager for a Fortune 50 Company. An easy read and most useful.

This book was well thought and each step broken down into great emphasis. These are keys moving forward in a changing society, strategic planning can help keep older business afloat and also compete even in their industry.

Great insight and an easy read. Thanks to our strategic planning professor for introducing us to this book! Highly recommend.

As a Quality Engineer for a very large manufacturing company, I have to balance several Kaizen Events on the day to day, and much of the emphasis is put on the Strategic Planning. This book has helped me to realize that engaging in the process of strategic planning has benefits in addition to the plan that comes out of it. The eight steps presented in the book guides you through the procedures, from Initiation, Identification, Development, Implementation and Evaluation of the process. In addition it promotes the open and creative exchange of ideas, including putting disagreements on the table and working out conflict resolutions.Strategic Planning: An interactive Process for Leaders is “spot on” with up to date information not only on Strategic Planning events but the insights in Leadership and Management. One major takeaway is how Ebener/Smith clearly define Strategic Planning as “an interactive process where leaders, followers, and managers create common goal”, clarifying that it takes a team effort for the event to be successful.I must say that I enjoyed the whole book, it’s an easy read and the philosophical quotes at the beginning of each chapter established a scholarly, yet holistic feel. I received the most value out of chapter seven, where it is stated that “People will resist change-particularly the change they don’t choose”, case in point involve others in your change process, I can personally and professionally attest to the benefits of that.This one is worth the investment, I would have given it five stars if it were a bit longer!

This book makes the strategic planning process so simple! It's a must have for anyone facilitating a plan, anyone involved directly in planning or those just wanting to learn about planning. Buy this book!

The book is a good reference model, but lots of things are taken from other sources--not mentioned where and only vague reference is made at the end of the book. Communication, regarding change and strategy are vague and this is a section that should have been really covered and driven home. Without open communication regarding strategic goals, vision, mission and or even the necessity of change....communication is a must. It has to be preached and taught from the top down and this was something your chapter only briefly touched the surface on.Next, I understand you're not recreating the wheel, but when using materials from others, give open credit directly in the chapter and not in the rear of the book and a generalization list. A professional does not mind sharing the lime light and certainly would never dream of taking credit for someone elses work or leading the reader to believe it's their own work....just my humble opinion. In addition, it also shows the reader your goals are clear, your beliefs and values are true and you're an ethical business leader.

Great book. Takes the guesswork out of a complicated process.

Great Book