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Critical to the successful setting of direction is the establishment of the starting point, the present condition of the organization. This is a multi-dimensional assessment of soundness, vitality and peer compatibility.
The assessment should look to the past to determine the nature of past efforts and successes. An appreciation of the firm's assets must be gained to determine the inventory of resources available. An understanding of the competitors, current and past, and of supporters must be developed to assess the operational environment of change.
The application of vision to the setting of goals is the least understood element of the tactical planning process. It requires a willingness to consider a broad range of potential "futures" and to examine the implications of each. Outcomes that represent both success and failure must be examined to determine the applicability and leveragability of available resources to achieve or avoid the consequences of each course of action. It is the exploration of "what could be", both good and bad, that will surface the bedrock issues of the agent's future.
Just as the tactical planning assessment seeks to answer the traditional question of strategy "who are we?" this process deals with the more compelling question of "who do we want to be?"
 Here the resources of the agent are applied to the potential accomplishment of the tactical plan. Through scenario development we attempt to live the future. Issues relating to redeployment of the agent's assets such as office relocation, product focus, management development, marketing, and capital formation are likely to be central to the determination of a feasible tactical plan and acceptable course of action. We will stretch our planning horizon beyond a single year to determine the vitality and robustness of their vision.
At the conclusion of the process we will have examined the strengths and weaknesses and evaluated in that light, a range of outcomes. Finally, we will have drawn into focus a desired outcome and analyzed agent resources available for its accomplishment, highlighting strengths and voids. The stage will be set for the execution of a tactical business plan by the respective agents.
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