Overlooked Steps in Annual Organizational Planning
Every fall, organizations across the globe engage in the annual planning ritual, pondering the same burning question:
What do we aim to achieve in the coming year? However, a staggering 70% of these goals end in failure, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. While most would assume that the crux of the problem lies with flawed strategies or execution, research indicates that it rarely does. Instead, it is often the
planning process itself that falters.
Jobert E. Abueva, a recognized global executive and author of
The Janus Plan, sheds light on this issue saying, "Most planning sessions commence with goal-setting. Organizations frequently skip over a critical step: a sincere examination of the lessons the previous year attempted to teach us, before naming any goals or committing resources."
Abueva’s acclaimed framework,
The Janus Plan, comprises six essential steps: reflect honestly, set intentions, build momentum, let go, create rituals, and return to practice over time. Designed for individuals, families, teams, and organizations, this methodology can be beneficial at any significant threshold, not just at the dawn of a new year.
The Janus Plan’s Framework
1.
Reflect Honestly: This step encourages teams to dissect their achievements and failures from the past year, serving as a critical foundation for future planning.
2.
Set Intentions: Following reflection, organizations are better equipped to establish meaningful goals that resonate with their core values and visions for the future.
3.
Build Momentum: This phase is about creating supports and systems that nurture the positive changes initiated during the goal-setting phase.
4.
Let Go: Acknowledgment of what no longer serves the organization is vital. This includes outdated practices and ineffective habits that impede progress.
5.
Create Rituals: Develop consistent practices that reinforce commitment to new goals, fostering a culture that celebrates progress.
6.
Return to Practice Over Time: Regularly revisiting each phase helps maintain focus and adaptability as circumstances evolve throughout the year.
The components of
The Janus Plan are not just theoretical but practical exercises that facilitate introspection and rich conversations around strategy, assumptions, and company culture. By prioritizing this reflective process, organizations can cultivate goal-setting practices that yield deeper engagement and commitment throughout the year, extending beyond the typical January enthusiasm.
Industry Recognition and Endorsements
The methodology posited by
The Janus Plan has garnered attention from various media outlets. Kirkus Reviews lauds it as "a unique and engaging approach to self-improvement," while Publisher's Weekly highlights its advocacy for "steady, sustainable progress," setting it apart from other motivation-focused resources in personal development.
Many industry leaders have also offered their endorsements:
- - Julie Morgenstern, New York Times bestselling author, describes it as "the freshest take on new beginnings I have ever read.”
- - Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, ranked #1 Executive Coach by Thinkers50, calls it "beautifully written and deeply practical.”
- - Laura Vanderkam, author of Big Time, notes, "You don't need a new you, just a more honest relationship with the one you already are.”
- - Ahmet Bozer, former president of Coca-Cola International, mentions it as a "rare blend of poetry and practicality."
Abueva, whose career includes leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and international brand development, turned personal challenges into this transformative framework. Today, he holds a position in marketing and philanthropy at ETS in Princeton.
Availability of The Janus Plan
The Janus Plan is readily available at major book retailers. Additionally, for organizations looking to adopt this framework, bulk orders—including signed copies, team discussion guides, and author Q&A sessions—can be sourced from Porchlight Books.
For further information, or if you're eager to engage with the principles of
The Janus Plan, visit
joberteabueva.com. Uncover how the right kind of reflection can reshape your organization's future planning today!