The DOSPERT Approach To Strategic And Action Planning

By Richard Brody

Although, nearly every leadership planning program, discusses the need for strategic and action plans, few of these, spend, the time, and/ or effort, to explain, methods, etc, to perceive and conceive of these, create, develop and implement them, in a professional, focussed manner! After more than four decades of involvement in nearly every aspect of leadership, from identifying, and qualifying, to training, development, and personal service (as a leader), I have become a strong proponent, in the benefits of being certain, potential leaders, develop the combination of skills, abilities, and positive attitude, to use the best possible plans, to benefit the organization, they serve and represent. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly address, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, the DOSPERT Approach to Strategic and Action Planning.

1. Delve deeply: Avoid the overly, simplistic approach, and temptation, to take some short - cut, towards these approaches! Rather, begin, by delving deeply, into all relevant aspects of the specific group, including its history/ heritage, goals, priorities, mission, vision, and specific niche. This is an absolute necessity, if you are to create something, meaningful!

2. Obstacles: What are the obstacles, standing in the way, of the group, achieving its mission and/ or vision, to the best of its potential? Is it one, specific item, or some combination of entities, which need to be addressed, and overcome, in a relevant, sustainable way?

3. Strengths and weaknesses: Every group has certain strengths, as well as apparent weaknesses. Identify these clearly, and objectively, and move forward, decisively, to effectively use the areas of strength, while addressing the best approach, to overcome any weakness!

4. Priorities, goals and needs: You must prioritize your efforts, effectively, by focusing clearly on the actual goals and needs, of your specific group, and act accordingly. Too often, groups seem to try to be all things, to all people, rather than becoming extraordinary/ exceptional, in the right direction!

5. Empathy: If you hope to become a quality leader, you must listen, far more than you speak, and learn from every conversation, and experience! When one proceeds with genuine empathy, he becomes far better, at relating to his constituents, and attracting followers, to become more involved and committed!

6. Relevant; reliable; responsive: One must have a well - considered, strategy, and use it, in a relevant way, to create the best possible, action plan, for the particular group! Others must perceive your message and approach, as being, both, reliable, and responsive!

7. Timely: A strategic plan must be a positive approach, rather than resorting to blaming and complaining, etc! Only when one's mindset is focused, does he proceed, in a timely, well - considered manner, and introduces an action plan, which inspires and motivates others, and serves the group, effectively, efficiently, and in a relevant manner!

Use this DOSPERT approach, and become a better strategic and action planner! Will you have the discipline, and commitment, to do so?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead