insights

The Nine Steps to Success™ framework explained


introduction

Achieve organisational success using the Balanced Scorecard Institute's “Nine Steps to Success™” methodology.

Implementing a strategic planning and management system based on a balanced scorecard requires a disciplined and practical approach. The Balanced Scorecard Institute's Nine Steps to Success™ methodology provides a framework that helps organisations connect the complexity of the external environment and internal capabilities and the various components of strategic planning and management. This methodology will give you an overview of how you can apply this methodology in your organisation to drive success and achieve your strategic outcomes and results.
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Step One: Assessment

The first step of Assessment in the strategic performance system process is to assess your organisation’s operational environment, internal capabilities, Mission and Vision, challenges, enablers, and values. This assessment provides an understanding of the current state of your organisation and identifies areas for improvement. Quality assessment data will help develop a relevant strategy to focus on the right things.

Step Two: Strategy

This step focuses on developing elements of your organisation’s strategy, including Strategic Results, Strategic Themes, and Perspectives. The identification of customer needs and define the organisation’s value proposition. By aligning strategic elements, you can establish a clear direction and focus for your organisation.

Step Three: Objectives

In Step Three, strategic objectives reflect a response to the assessment data and the value proposition. These objectives serve as the building blocks of your strategy and define the organisation’s strategic intent. Developing objectives as a strategic response to your challenges and opportunities allow your strategy to be relevant and focus on the change you need to bring about.

Step Four: Strategy Map

Step Four involves the creation of the strategy map, which reinforces the cause-and-effect linkages between your leading and lagging Strategic Objectives to create a comprehensive narrative of your strategy. By merging the theme Strategy Maps into a corporate strategy map, you will create a visual narrative of how your organisation creates value for customers and stakeholders and remain sustainable. The Strategy Map provides a complete view of your strategy and helps communicate the strategic direction effectively.
nine steps to success

Step Five: Performance Measures

Step Five focuses on developing Performance Measures for each of your Strategic Objectives. Leading and lagging measures are identified, targets and thresholds are established, and baseline and benchmarking data are collected. Performance Measures provide tangible metrics to monitor progress and evaluate the success of your strategic objectives.

Step Six: Initiatives

In Step Six, Strategic Initiatives are developed to support the achievement of your Strategic Objectives. Assigning ownership of Performance Measures and Strategic Initiatives to the appropriate staff fosters accountability throughout the organisation. Documenting these responsibilities in data definition tables ensures clear ownership and enhances transparency in performance management.

Step Seven: Performance Analysis

Step Seven marks the implementation process by leveraging performance measurement data collection, storing, analysis and reporting to provide relevant performance information to the right people at the right time. The data management process streamlines implementation of the Balanced Scorecard system, transforms data into actionable information, facilitates effective performance data communication, and informs decision-making. Access to real-time performance information empowers decision-making and drives better results.

Step Eight: Alignment

Step Eight focuses on cascading the corporate-level scorecard down into business and support unit scorecards and team and individual scorecards. Cascading aligns the organisation around the strategy by translating high-level objectives, measures, and details into lower-level units. This alignment ensures that day-to-day work is linked to department goals and the corporate vision, fostering a sense of accountability and driving overall organisational alignment.

Step Nine: Evaluation

In Step Nine, it is essential to evaluate the completed scorecard to assess the effectiveness of your strategies, measurements, and the evolving business environment. This evaluation helps answer critical questions such as the success of your strategies, the relevance of your measures, and the strategic allocation of resources. Regular evaluations ensure that your scorecard remains dynamic and adaptable to changes in the organisational landscape.

in closing

By implementing the Nine Steps to Success™ methodology from the Balanced Scorecard Institute you can revolutionise your organisation’s strategic planning and management.
By following this disciplined and practical approach you can drive success and achieve your desired outcomes. To better understand how to implement this framework in your organisation, we invite you to explore our Balanced Scorecard Certification courses. This comprehensive program will provide you with the practical knowledge and tools necessary to effectively apply the Nine Steps to Success™ methodology. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your organisation and propel it towards lasting success. Visit our Training Courses page to learn more and enrol in a Balanced Scorecard Certification course today.
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