One of the steps in the business planning cycle is to conduct the actual session. All members of the executive or top team must attend this three- to five-day session chaired by the president. Key players should not be absent. If necessary, postpone the session until they can attend. These company level plans are the basis for each key staff or function to roll the process downward. Each team member repeats the exact planning process for his or her team. This is done at each successive level in a reduced scope and scale for the specific purpose of continuity. By repeating the company-planning model at the functional or business unit level you have achieved another level of understanding.
Repeat the planning model throughout the company until all the managers and supervisors are involved in defining their parts of the plan. The business planning must cycle through at least one more level. Allow a reasonable amount of time between the company business planning conference and the session for the strategic business units. Usually a month is sufficient. Once the business unit plans are completed the executive team needs to bring the pieces back together to cross-check the feasibility of the original plan. Some adjustments may need to be made to the original numbers. Often requirements created at the top in the first company-level plan cannot be supported when broken down to operational-level requirements. This is why care must be taken in establishing requirements. It is possible to extend your plan beyond your capability.