What is the relationship between operational planning and strategic planning?
Operational planning and strategic planning are interdependent components of a business’s overall planning process. While strategic planning focuses on long-term goals, operational planning translates these into short-term, actionable plans.
Strategic Planning: Defines the “what” and “why.” It sets the vision, mission, and overarching goals.
Operational Planning: Focuses on the “how” and “when.” It involves the tactical execution of strategic objectives.
Key Relationships:
Strategic goals shape operational objectives.
Operational plans provide measurable steps to execute strategy.
Continuous feedback from operational plans helps refine strategic choices.
Together, they ensure alignment between vision and execution, avoiding disconnects between leadership’s goals and day-to-day operations.
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