Annual Planning Methodology #
Propel’s Annual Planning Methodology provides a structured framework for turning long-term vision into consistent execution. Rather than creating a plan that sits on a shelf, this five-step process connects your strategy directly to goals, initiatives, meetings, and accountability throughout the year.
Each step of the methodology is supported by a corresponding area within the Propel platform, allowing your leadership team to move seamlessly from planning to execution.
The Five-Step Annual Planning Process #
Step 1: Vision & Long-Term Goals #
Location: Plan → Foundation
Begin by defining the long-term direction of your organization.
During this step, you will establish your:
- Vision
- Mission
- Core Values
- Long-term BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
These elements create the strategic foundation that guides every planning decision.
Step 2: Annual Macro Goals #
Location: Plan → Strategy
With your long-term vision established, define the major outcomes that will move your organization toward its BHAG.
This includes:
- Creating annual and long-term milestones.
- Defining measurable targets for each milestone.
- Identifying the strategic initiatives required to achieve those targets.
The Strategy tab acts as a collaborative planning workspace where your leadership team can refine ideas before moving into execution.
Step 3: Identify KPIs & Build Scorecards #
Location: Goals Module
Next, translate your strategy into measurable performance.
During this step, you will:
- Create company, department, team, and individual scorecards.
- Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Assign ownership for each goal.
- Establish the metrics that will be reviewed throughout the year.
These scorecards become the operational measures that keep the organization focused on achieving its annual objectives.
Step 4: Prioritize Initiatives #
Location: Initiatives Module
Once your goals have been established, prioritize the strategic work required to achieve them.
During this phase, you will:
- Review and prioritize initiatives identified during planning.
- Assign owners.
- Establish target completion dates.
- Build initial Roadmap Items.
- Organize initiatives into an achievable execution schedule.
This step transforms strategic ideas into actionable projects.
Step 5: Implement & Execute #
Location: Meetings, Initiatives, Goals, and Resources
The final step is creating the operating rhythm that drives execution.
During implementation, you will:
- Configure recurring meeting cadences.
- Pin scorecards and initiatives to meeting series.
- Assign participants and confirm permissions.
- Build Roadmap Items and assign responsibilities.
- Organize supporting resources.
- Review progress through regular leadership and team meetings.
This creates a consistent cadence that keeps your organization aligned, accountable, and focused throughout the year.
How the Process Works Together #
Each step builds upon the previous one:
- Vision & Long-Term Goals define where the organization is headed.
- Annual Macro Goals establish the milestones needed to get there.
- Goals & Scorecards measure progress toward those milestones.
- Initiatives define the projects that will drive progress.
- Implementation ensures those projects are reviewed, discussed, and executed through recurring meetings and ongoing accountability.
By connecting planning, measurement, execution, and accountability, Propel helps leadership teams turn strategy into consistent action.
Best Practices #
- Complete each planning step in sequence before moving to the next.
- Involve your leadership team throughout the planning process to build alignment and ownership.
- Use the Strategy tab as a collaborative workspace before finalizing your annual plan.
- Focus detailed planning on initiatives scheduled for the next one or two quarters.
- Review scorecards and initiatives regularly through structured meeting cadences to maintain momentum throughout the year.
Following the Propel Annual Planning Methodology ensures your long-term vision is translated into measurable goals, prioritized initiatives, and a consistent operating rhythm that helps your organization execute its strategy successfully.