AHEAD: Strategy is the way to a better future

Is your strategic plan gathering dust? Don’t have a plan? Is your organization stuck or drifting? This book will show you how to create a plan and implement strategies that will get your organization down the road to great success.The second edition of AHEAD: Strategy is the Road to a Better Future is your practical guide to crafting and executing strategic plans that drive real results. Authored by Lee Crumbaugh, SMP — a veteran strategy consultant, business coach, and past President of the International Association for Strategy Professionals — this book draws on over 40 years of experience helping organizations grow and succeed.Crumbaugh emphasizes that while planning is the foundation for success, making smart strategic decisions and driving implementation are essential steps for pushing desired change and achieving great results.The first edition of AHEAD encouraged ongoing and effective planning and implementation. This second edition offers more guidance on effective planning and new insights on strategic decision making. It has a heightened focus on plan execution and more justification for making the effort. It offers 26 new entries across 20 chapters, exploring topics such as “Make Your Vision Big,” “Stress-Test Your Strategies,” and “Managing Choice.”Why Read AHEAD?Focus on Action: AHEAD addresses the common pitfalls of planning and provides actionable solutions that make your strategies work in the real world.Proven Approach: Grounded in research and practical application, this book demonstrates that effective strategic planning significantly boosts organizational performance.Accessible and Practical: Avoiding academic jargon, AHEAD is filled with relatable stories, checklists, and step-by-step guidance, making strategy easy to grasp for both beginners and seasoned professionals. It promotes practical approaches, systems, and tools that work in the real world.What You'll Learn:Craft a Compelling Vision: Develop a shared vision of future success that aligns your team and drives action.Make Better Strategic Choices: Learn how to develop winning strategies, identify opportunities, and mitigate threats using tools that help you adapt to changing conditions.Achieve Greater Impact: AHEAD emphasizes execution, ensuring your plans move from the page to real-world results, with insights on innovation, risk management, and strategic adaptation.About the Author:Lee Crumbaugh’s extensive background in strategy consulting, coaching, and leadership positions equips him with the expertise to guide readers through the complexities of strategic planning. As the founder of Forrest Consulting, he has advised hundreds of companies, non-profits, and leaders, making strategy accessible, effective, and impactful.Who Should Read This Book?AHEAD is more than just a book—it's a call to action for leaders to embrace strategic planning and execution as an essential tool for success. Lee’s thoughtful guidance, combined with practical advice and real-world examples, makes this an indispensable resource for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and non-profit executives looking to navigate the complexities of strategy creation and great execution in today’s rapidly changing world.Act Now!Don’t just plan — achieve. Read this book to unlock the full potential of strategic planning and start building a brighter future for your organization. Read more