Strategic Planning (Part 2): The Importance of Leadership Involvement
Author: Erin Cunningham, MBA | IT Continuous Improvement Engineer, Chickasaw Nation
January 20th, 2025
The Key to Successful Strategy
Strategic planning might sound like corporate jargon, but trust us—it’s the game plan for taking your organization from “meh” to “wow.” Last time, we discussed the three key elements for success: Leadership Involvement, KPIs and Cascading Goals, Execution and Follow-Up. Think of strategic planning as a GPS that guides you to your destination with clear, actionable steps. But here’s the thing: without leadership taking charge, that map is basically useless. Leaders aren’t just there to sign off on a plan; they need to roll up their sleeves and actively drive it forward.

In short, leadership involvement is the key to turning a good strategy into a successful one. Leaders have to be all in. So, let’s dive into why leaders can’t just sit on the sidelines when it comes to strategic planning—and why their active involvement is crucial for execution.
"...leadership development is the key to turning a good strategy into a successful one."
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Why Leadership Is a Big Deal in Strategic Planning
Leadership is the secret sauce that makes strategic planning work. Without leaders fully engaged, it’s like playing a game without a coach—sure, people might try, but there’s no clear direction or sense of purpose. Here’s why leadership matters so much - leaders:
Set Vision & Direction
Leaders have the 30,000-foot view that gives them the big picture. They’re the ones who can see where the organization needs to go in the long run. Without them guiding the strategy, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds and chase after the wrong goals. Leaders help align the strategy with the organization’s mission and vision, so everyone knows what they’re working toward—and why it matters.
Without a solid vision from leadership, strategic plans can become disjointed and directionless. Leaders keep everyone on track and focused on the end game. They shape the strategy based on the organization’s future goals.
Align Resources & Priorities
Strategic plans are nothing more than wishful thinking unless leaders put their money where their mouth is. If leaders don’t allocate the right resources—time, money, talent—then any strategy is bound to fall flat. Leaders decide what gets priority and where the organization needs to put its focus. If the top dogs aren’t backing up the plan with resources, no one else will take it seriously either.
This is especially true when it comes to talent. Leaders are the ones who ensure the right people are in the right places to execute the plan effectively. They also ensure investments are made in the development of their people to execute the strategy well. Without leadership’s active role, you risk wasting time and energy on initiatives that don’t align with the organization’s long-term goals.
Create a Culture of Accountability
When leaders are actively involved in strategic planning, it sends a message to the entire organization: this plan isn’t just for show—it’s real, and it matters. Leadership sets the tone for the company culture, and if they’re invested in the plan, everyone else is more likely to follow suit.
Accountability is key to executing a strategy successfully. If leaders are checking in regularly on progress, holding teams accountable, and making sure people are on track, employees will feel more motivated to do the same. When leadership shows they’re committed, it inspires everyone else to take ownership of their part in the plan.
Boost Engagement & Motivation
Nothing gets employees more hyped than seeing their leaders fully invested in the plan. When leaders show up, actively participate, and communicate a shared vision, it fuels excitement and motivation throughout the team. People are more likely to get behind a plan when they see that the people at the top aren’t just “writing checks” but are rolling up their sleeves and getting involved.
Plus, seeing their leaders put in the effort gives employees a sense of purpose and pride in their work. When people feel connected to the strategy—and can see how their contributions make a difference—they’re much more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best.
Help the Organization Adapt to Change
Let’s face it—things don’t stay the same for long. Markets change, technology evolves, and unexpected challenges come up. Without strong leadership at the helm, it’s easy for a strategy to become outdated or irrelevant. This is where leaders really shine: their ability to guide the company through uncertainty and adjust the plan as needed.
Leaders who are involved in strategic planning are better prepared to pivot when things change. They know when to tweak the strategy, shift priorities, and help the organization stay agile in the face of disruption. This keeps the organization on track, even when the road gets bumpy.
Ensure Execution & Follow-Through
A strategic plan is just a piece of paper if it’s not acted upon. That’s where leadership comes in. Leaders aren’t just responsible for creating the strategy—they also need to ensure that it gets executed. This means staying involved throughout the process, tracking progress, and making sure everyone’s on the same page.
Leaders also play a key role in making sure the plan is actually followed through. This means checking in on key performance indicators (KPIs), monitoring milestones, and adjusting tactics when necessary. Without leadership’s commitment to execution, even the best strategies can get lost in the shuffle.
"A strategic plan is just a piece of paper if it's not acted upon."
Leadership as the Catalyst for Success
At the end of the day, strategic planning is only as strong as the leadership behind it. Leaders don’t just sign off on the plan—they actively drive it, making decisions, allocating resources, and keeping the entire team motivated and aligned. When leaders show up, so does the entire organization.
Think of leadership as the spark that ignites the fire of strategic success. Without it, you’re just sitting on a pile of ideas with no real way to bring them to life. But when leaders get involved from the start, they set the organization on a clear path to achieving its mission, overcoming challenges, and staying ahead of the competition.
Wrapping It Up
Strategic planning isn’t something you can just “set and forget.” To make sure your strategy actually works, leadership needs to be all in. They’re the ones who set the vision, allocate resources, foster accountability, and keep everyone on track. Without them, the plan is just a piece of paper with good intentions.
So, if your leaders aren’t fully engaged in the process, it’s time to bring them on board. Their involvement is what turns strategy into action—and action is what drives success.
Next up, we’ll break down how KPIs and cascading goals help keep the whole team aligned and moving toward the same destination.
See you then!
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