For some reason, many organizations think that strategic plans should be one big secret between top level management. Is keeping your plan confidential really best for your company? What if we shine some light on it.

Strategy is a buzz word right now, and for good reason. A strategic plan is the blueprint for any organization’s branding, social media, marketing, etc. We all spend so much talking about the need for a plan — but how do you go about making a good plan?

It’s easy to sit around a whiteboard and create a plan with a small group of decision makers. I’ve even done it as a social media consultant — I’ll work on a social strategy for several weeks, doing my own research and analysis, yet neglect to walk into the store and talk with everyday employees. You might even (gasp) avoid including any ol’ employee.

Why are we so hesitant to have a bit of transparency during the planning process?

What would happen if — like the pictured lighted drafting table — we illuminate our plan throughout our organizations?

Yes, we’ll see the dark corners of our past mistakes. Others might see how close the whole house of cards is to crumbling. But some honest, constructive feedback will far outweigh the potential embarrassment.

If you’ve done a solid job getting employees to buy into your brand, they want to make your company better, just as you do. Don’t wall them out.

Shine some light on on your strategic plan. It’ll be a beacon of clarity and rally your whole organization around the brand.