A lot of people think that strategic is synonymous with long term. Managers often enjoy it. Consultant also does because they can make the company feel good. Sometimes long term planning is the root cause of strategies not being executed. Urgency is the main reasons why we need to keep planning for a short term. There is a huge gap that separates execution and strategy. It also needs a vision that is practical and doable. The vision is stating the company’s priority, imperatives and the way to implement it. Without this action is impossible.
Take note that strategic planning cannot be achieved in a short period of time. Say 12 months may prove to be unrealistic and cause hopelessness. In the same a vision with a long execution cannot be successful as well.
A long term strategic plan is actually needed by your firm but never let it be a substitute for vision and short term plan as this will be the real key to action. Business planning entails 2 to 3 years in the making and make sure that it is practical and can stand a chance to be executed.