Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is an annual exercise for most companies. The exercise is predictable. The aspirations are noble and ambitious. Idea generation is high. Good will oozes (the boss likes enthusiasm). Everyone proclaims to be a true believer.

The Mission/Vision parameters are frequently tied to the Excel Spreadsheet with obligatory language that declares "we will double our sales within five years." Like Groundhog Day, the exercise repeats itself a year later.

A Devil's Advocate could test assumptions that the boss ignores, examine connections that have no substance, raise undiscussable issues, and assess degrees of commitment.  A good Devil's Advocate is not committed to defending an ego, but is committed to testing the soundness of the strategic planning.