Identifying desired outcomes helps steer a strategic planning process by

Identifying desired outcomes is vital in guiding the strategic planning process because italigns all participants toward a common orientation. This shared focus ensures that stakeholders understand what the organization aims to achieve, providing clarity and cohesion in decision-making and resource allocation. The IASP SPP curriculum emphasizes that clear outcomes function as a compass that directs efforts, reduces ambiguity, and fosters collaborative engagement. Without such alignment, planning can become fragmented or misdirected, undermining effectiveness and slowing progress. Outcomes also support communication and accountability by defining what success looks like at every organizational level.【IASP SPP Study Guide - Strategic Alignment】【Kaplan & Norton, Balanced Scorecard】