From Vision to Velocity: A Practical Guide to Strategic Planning with Heart and Grit
- Kristen Ann
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
In today’s rapidly shifting world—where AI accelerates innovation and change feels constant—leaders need more than just vision. They need a strategy that’s both emotionally resonant and operationally sound.
“In reality, strategy is actually very straightforward. You pick a general direction and implement like hell.” —Jack Welch
Here’s a simple 6-step framework to build a strategy rooted in purpose and powered by execution—blending principles from EOS (Traction by Gino Wickman) with the practical lens of emotional intelligence and sustainable leadership.
1. Reconnect to Purpose (Your Why)
What’s important? Why are we doing all of this work in the first place?
EOS calls this your Core Focus—why your organization exists and the impact you’re here to make.
📌 Why this matters: A purpose-driven organization attracts aligned people and makes decision-making clearer. It anchors you in meaning during moments of fatigue or distraction.
✅ Take action: Write a 1–2 sentence “Purpose Statement.”
Ask: What breaks your heart or lights you up that this work helps solve?
2. Set 2–5 Year Objectives (WIGs + EOS Vision Traction Organizer)
What we wish to BUILD + BECOME. Beginning with the END in mind!
EOS teaches the power of setting a 10-year target, 3-year picture, and 1-year plan—what they call the Vision Traction Organizer.
📌 Why this matters: Without clear outcomes, your team spins. With them, you create alignment, accountability, and motivation.
✅ Take action: Define your Big Rocks (critical goals) for the next 1–3 years. Use SMART goals and make them visible.
3. Chart the Sustainable Route (Your How)
Not necessarily the FASTEST, or the easiest—it’s about a clear, defendable path.
Think: What will scale with you, not just get quick wins?
📌 Why this matters: Reactionary growth burns out teams. Intentional growth builds momentum and trust.
✅ Take action: Identify your most logical, values-aligned path.
Ask: What are we saying “no” to this year to protect our “yes”?
4. Inventory Your Resources (Have or Need)
Strategy isn’t just what you want—it's what your current capabilities can support.
EOS encourages a “Right People, Right Seats” mentality.
📌 Why this matters: Clarity on your assets, team strengths, and data enables smarter, faster decisions.
✅ Take action: Map what you have and what you need in these categories:
People | Capital | Knowledge | Time
5. Execute on What Matters (Daily Rocks & Scorecards)
This is where most strategies die—in translation.
Execution isn’t sexy, but it’s the difference between good intentions and real impact.
📌 Why this matters: When priorities get calendar time, they get done.
✅ Take action: Schedule high-ROI actions into your week. Use EOS scorecards or lead measures to track weekly effort, not just outcomes.
6. Measure, Analyze + Adjust (Agility + Lead Measures)
Weekly or biweekly reviews keep the strategy alive.
EOS recommends Level 10 meetings to course correct in real time (fast).
📌 Why this matters: Execution without reflection = burnout. Reflection without action = stagnation. You need both.
✅ Take action: Create rituals to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.
Ask: What’s working? What’s not? What needs to change?
You don’t need a 200-page strategic plan. You need a compass, a few bold priorities, a feedback loop, and a committed team. And above all, you need grit wrapped in grace—a heart-centered commitment to show up, course-correct, and lead with clarity.
Ready to deepen your impact? Let’s connect.
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