Leadership is about setting a direction and inspiring your team to follow you to that destination. A strategic plan sets the direction for your company, division or department. A strategic plan is your roadmap, detailing where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Once employees know where you are going and why, they can make decisions that are in-line with the plan. Follow these four steps to create a strategic plan: Determine where your group is today. Examine your strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. Determine where you want to be. What is your vision for the future of your group? Determine how you are going to get there. What objectives and resources do you need? Communicate the plan. Everyone needs to know their part and how their progress will be measured.