Now that we have reviewed how to assess the current state of your business and think critically about your goals, it’s time to start creating your action plan for 2021. Even though 2020 did not go according to plan for virtually anyone, it doesn’t mean that the planning process is worthless. By creating your action plan for 2021 now, you can ensure you are prepared for whatever 2021 has to bring.
Start Early
If you have been following along in this blog series, you are right on track to have a great 2021! Most companies start the planning process in the fourth quarter of the current year, so now is the perfect time for creating your action plan. By starting early, you make sure that you have time for input from everyone in your organization and help motivate everyone for the future instead of dwelling on the current situation.
Be Realistic
While some businesses have thrived in the wake of 2020’s challenges, others have struggled. When you are creating your action plan for 2021, be realistic about where you are now and what you can accomplish next year. Think critically about your business today and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Once you complete your SWOT analysis, you will have an honest starting point.
Keep It Conservative
When you start creating your action plan, prepare for a moderate growth rate over the course of 2021. It’s fine to be optimistic in your goal-setting, but you should not expect smooth sailing. Set goals that are flexible, processes that can be quickly adapted and projections that are reasonable.
Plan for the Unplanned
It sounds silly, but the businesses that were most prepared for all of the curveballs that 2020 had in store were those who planned for the unplanned. When creating your action plan, don’t just think of obvious scenarios. Instead, think about what could happen. What will you do if shutdowns due to COVID-19 occur again? How can your workforce stay remote? What will you do if there is a decrease in demand for one of your products? Think critically about how you can rapidly adapt next year.
Get Help Creating Your Action Plan for 2021 with Zenith Performance Solutions
Zenith Performance Solutions wants to transform the ways that you and your employees learn. We offer a comprehensive range of training course design services, including updating existing courses and consulting. We work with companies of every size to create innovative and instructionally sound materials that boost employee performance and satisfy your objectives. To learn more, please contact us by calling (970) 409-4013.