FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

The Giraffe Strategy Process^SM simplifies strategic planning for all types of organizations. By focusing on the 5 Elements of Strategy^SM, we use a 2-day workshop to get to the heart of an organization, what it can promise customers and how it will deliver on that promise. The Giraffe Strategy Tree^SM elegantly sums up the plan and can even be hung on your office wall for a daily reminder of what the future can hold.

We believe that simple plans get done, while complex plans sit on shelves. Our plans are never academic or overly-complicated. We streamline the strategic planning process and deliver results that are memorable, actionable and achievable.

Strategic plans are typically completed in 10-12 weeks, depending on the size of the organization. For those with more than $50M in annual sales or with mutliple business units, it typically takes longer.

This includes a 2-day workshop, business case workbook for financials and collaboration to finalize and assemble the final plans. Giraffe will deliver a single strategic plan, typically 20-25 pages long, which includes a Giraffe Strategy Tree for your organization.

Yes! Our expert strategy facilitators can help your organization implement the strategic plans we create together. The plans that we develop include detailed tactics for the first quarter and first year, as well as the framework for years 2 and 3.

We can work with your teams to help them learn effective implementation strategies, including the 12-Points of Implementation to seamlessly transition from development to execution.

Once you master the daily implementation process, we can also meet with your teams annually to review metrics and milestones, as well as update your plan for the coming year. Ideally, organizations will have a rolling 3-year plan at all times. Focus on the present with a keen eye on the future!

Yes! We’d love to meet with your strategy team to update your strategic plan each year. Reviewing and updating is a vital part of a strong strategy. In fact, it’s included in our 12-Points of Implementation.

Yes! We’ll help you turn old, dusty strategies into new, streamlined actionable strategic plan that everyone can understand and use. We won’t just update your old plan, we’ll develop a stronger strategy, in a shorter amount of time, with greater focus and better implementation.

One of the most important parts of developing a strong strategic plan is the team of people involved. We recommend selecting 10-15 people across your organization, from various customer touch-points and areas of operation. Each member should be a great listener, collaborator and initiator. Learn more about choosing the best team.

In addition to a great team, an expert facilitator is also crucial. He or she will guide the process, encourage communication and ensure you’re on the right track towards a meaningful strategy. That’s where Giraffe excels. Learn about our team.

This depends on many factors, including their involvement in both the process of strategy development and all of the work that goes into implementation. Plan at least 3-5 full work days for development, which includes the 2-day workshop, development of the business case workbook and finalization of the plan.

Additionally, the implementation phase will be ongoing. There is not a set number of hours for this portion, we encourage each person to to make strategy implementation a part of his or her daily job!

Sure! Our website is full of great information about the Giraffe Strategy Process.

It starts with Simplifying Strategy and our approach to breaking down the core parts of strategy for better focus on what’s really important to your organization.

Then, we help you with Developing Strategy during a workshop with your team. We’ll guide you through creating a Strategy Tree and One Breath Customer Promise.

Finally, the transition from developing to Implementing Strategy is easier with our 12-Points of Implementation and insights to Metrics & Milestones.

If you’d like something to take back to your team, download our Free Strategy Guide to assess your current strategy and start a framework for the future.

The final deliverable of the Giraffe Strategy Process^SM is a 20-25 page document that outlines the plan that was developed in the 2-day workshop, subsequent financial analysis, and other research and refinement. The process typically takes 10-12 weeks. Learn more here.

The final document includes:

• A set of simplified objectives
• A list of actionable projects
• Audience assessment
• Strategic requirements
• Financial Proforma
• A Giraffe Strategy Tree for your organization