How to Nail your Annual Planning Strategy w/ Hayfa Aboukier

"Strategic planning isn't just about keeping the lights on, but truly driving growth."

In this episode of Inside the Process, Mallory Glessner chats with the inspiring Hayfa Aboukair, who takes us on her unique journey from public service to the dynamic startup scene. They delve into the power of strategic planning and break down the difference between metrics that simply keep the lights on and those that spark real transformative shifts. Hayfa emphasizes the importance of balancing bold ambitions with realistic expectations, highlighting how involving the entire team in goal-setting can lead to greater success. Throughout the conversation, Hayfa shares valuable insights on reflection for continuous improvement and practical tips for giving and receiving feedback. Mallory and Hayfa wrap up with some powerhouse advice on effective annual planning strategies and the common pitfalls every entrepreneur should avoid. This episode is packed with wisdom that’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their game!

Key Takeaways:

• Develop a strategic planning framework to promote growth and align team efforts.
• Involve teams in the planning process to enhance ownership and provide clarity.
• Regularly implement reflection and retrospectives to promote continuous improvement.
• Prioritize a few key objectives to prevent overwhelming team members.
• Foster a culture of feedback to boost team performance and collaboration.
• Ensure leaders communicate how individual contributions align with larger organizational goals.

Chapter Markers:

[00:00] Introduction to Inside the Process

[01:45] Hayfa's Journey: From Public Service to Startups

[03:35] The Importance of Strategic Planning

[06:51] Metrics that Matter: Keep the Lights On vs. Strategic Shifts

[09:08] Balancing Ambitious Goals with Realistic Expectations

[12:16] Engaging Teams in Goal Setting

[15:49] The Role of Reflection in Continuous Improvement

[18:57] Practical Frameworks for Team Feedback

[20:43] Effective Annual Planning Strategies

[24:21] Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Strategic Planning

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: Inside the process

Trainual

Inside The Process breaks down the mindset and mechanics behind running a smarter, more efficient business. From solving process headaches and optimizing systems to self-management and leadership growth, this podcast delivers real solutions you can put into action. Mallory Glessner — a 10-year systems and operations veteran turned marketer at Trainual — sits down with leaders from some of the most innovative, fast-moving companies to uncover how they think and operate. Through their insights, you'll gain strategies to elevate your work and teams.

But Inside The Process isn’t just another business podcast — it’s like having a top-tier consultant in your pocket, minus the hefty fees. Covering everything from business best practices and company culture to leadership tactics and operational efficiency, this show helps you take action and grow your business.Whether you're a team leader looking for a starting point or a seasoned manager exploring new processes to save time, energy, and money—this podcast is for you.Hit subscribe to stay updated when the next episode drops!This is one of several podcasts from Trainual, the software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their teams. Check out the rest of our shows here.