The sheer volume of information produced by technology can be daunting. Managers must decide what to review and what information should become someone else's responsibility. Managers should focus most of their energy on building customer relationships, one of the most effective tools for gaining competitive advantage. Companies misuse objectives, erroneously believe planning leads to improved strategies, and create strategic plans that don't allow for new insights. At least one of a company's foremost objectives should be to create competitive advantage.
Broad objectives lead to empty strategies - concentrate on focused and detailed objectives.
Don't separate strategy and tactics. Implementation must be part of strategy development. Tactics need to be ironed out before a realistic strategy can be determined. As with objectives, intertwining tactics and strategy is the only way to develop a winning strategy. Rethink planning sessions.