It’s easy to confuse the essence of strategy with a more detailed strategic plan, especially when conditions are changing fast and the horizon for change is short. Strategy defines the long-term direction of an enterprise and what it will do to succeed, but strategic plans define how the organization will realize its long-term ambitions.

Use this checklist approach to frame the conversation and clarify necessary actions in three tangible steps, including:

• Determine whether you need to adjust your IT strategic plan
• Identify when you can refresh or update the plan versus an overhaul
• Assess when you might need to:
  • Reprioritize and address conflicts in the plan
  • Reset engagement and communication
  • Validate strategic plan metrics and triggers