Annual Planning for Every Department

I remember walking into a client’s Annual Planning Session with high expectations. It was our second year working together, and the team was coming off a strong year. But as we talked about the year ahead, we could see it was going to be a tough one. The team looked worried, so I reminded them to trust the EOS® process and the tools we’d been using.

During Annual Planning, the leadership team takes time to discuss the challenges the company is facing and agree on a plan for the next year. Then it’s up to each department leader to meet with their teams and figure out how they’ll put that plan into practice.

How much time are you giving department leaders to work through the annual plan with their own teams?

Christine Watts recommends holding departmental Annual Planning Sessions shortly after the leadership team meets. Her article explains how departments can set their own Rocks and measurables based on the company plan.

Focus Points
“Can everyone on the team explain what they own and how it impacts the company plan?” — Christine Watts

Why Every Department Needs Its Own EOS® Annual Planning Session

Christine explains how the leadership team hears the in-depth discussions behind the company plan while everyone else usually just gets a summary.

When you meet with your department, explain the decisions that affect the team before asking people to set their Rocks. Give them time to ask questions and discuss what they’ll need to get done over the next 90 days.

Before you finish, check that everyone can explain what they’re accountable for and how it supports the company goals.

Maz Prompt of the Week

Ask: Can you give me a summary of the company’s 1-Year Plan and list what my team needs to deliver in 2027?

Webinar: Build an Annual Plan
That Lasts All Year

Christine will also be with us on Wednesday, October 28, at 3 p.m. ET for a 60-minute webinar on Annual Planning.

She’ll walk through how to use this year’s lessons to plan for next year, connect your 1-Year Plan to Rocks, and use your Level 10 Meeting® to check progress. Then you can share it with your department leaders as they prepare for their own sessions.

Wednesday, October 28 | 3 p.m. ET

Can't attend live? Register to receive the recording.