What is the best way to run our annual planning session if we have several open, unresolved people issues on our leadership team?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Attempting to run an annual planning session with unresolved people issues on your leadership team is a waste of time. You cannot build a healthy, long-term strategic plan if you do not trust the people sitting at the table with you.

Before you walk into your annual session, you must use your EOS® People Tools to resolve these issues.

First, run every member of the leadership team through the People Analyzer™ to ensure they are an eighty-percent match for your Core Values. If someone does not fit your culture, they cannot remain on the leadership team, regardless of how good they are at their job.

Second, ensure everyone GWC™ (Gets, Wants, and has the Capacity for) their seat on the Accountability Chart. If you have a leader who is overwhelmed or lacks the skills for their role, this must be addressed before you start setting goals for the next year.

If you have unresolved conflicts between specific leaders, use the IDS® process to solve them before the annual session begins. Do not hope that a two-day strategy meeting will magically cure interpersonal friction. If necessary, engage your Professional EOS Implementer® to facilitate these tough conversations. Entering an annual planning session with a healthy, aligned, and open team is the only way to build a plan that actually succeeds.