Meaning: David McClelland, a renowned psychologist, highlights a critical aspect of strategic planning in the quote, "The outstanding people realized that the job involved more than just writing a good strategic plan. It was also important that top management should understand the plan and be prepared to adopt it." This quote emphasizes the significance of not only creating a well-crafted strategic plan but also ensuring that top management comprehends its contents and is willing to implement it.

Strategic planning is a process that organizations undertake to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, and ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working towards common goals. However, simply having a strategic plan in place does not guarantee success. McClelland's quote emphasizes the critical role of top management in the strategic planning process. It implies that the involvement and understanding of top management are essential for the successful implementation of the strategic plan.

One key aspect highlighted in the quote is that outstanding individuals recognize the multifaceted nature of strategic planning. Writing a good strategic plan is undoubtedly important, but it is not the only requirement for success. The plan must also be effectively communicated to and understood by top management. This underscores the need for clear and concise communication throughout the strategic planning process. It also implies that the success of a strategic plan is not solely dependent on its content, but also on how effectively it is conveyed and embraced by organizational leadership.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the necessity of top management's understanding and willingness to adopt the strategic plan. Without the buy-in and support of top management, even the most well-crafted strategic plan may fail to materialize. This highlights the importance of organizational alignment and commitment from leadership to drive the implementation of the strategic plan. It also suggests that successful strategic planning requires not only the creation of a plan but also the cultivation of a supportive organizational culture that encourages the acceptance and execution of the plan by top management.

In practical terms, the quote implies that strategic planners and organizational leaders must work collaboratively to ensure that the strategic plan is not only comprehensive and well-designed but also aligns with the vision and goals of the top management. This necessitates a two-way communication process, where strategic planners seek input and feedback from top management and, in turn, ensure that the plan addresses the concerns and priorities of the leadership.

Moreover, the quote highlights the role of understanding in the successful implementation of a strategic plan. It suggests that top management's comprehension of the plan is crucial for making informed decisions and taking the necessary actions to execute the plan. This reinforces the idea that strategic planning is not merely a document or a process, but a framework for guiding organizational decision-making and actions. Without a deep understanding of the strategic plan, top management may struggle to effectively leverage the plan to drive organizational performance and success.

In conclusion, David McClelland's quote encapsulates the essential elements of successful strategic planning. It emphasizes the need for more than just a well-written plan, highlighting the importance of clear communication, understanding, and support from top management. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of strategic planning and the critical role of top management, the quote serves as a reminder that successful strategic planning is not just about the plan itself, but also about the people who drive its implementation. It underscores the need for collaboration, communication, and alignment between strategic planners and organizational leaders to ensure that the strategic plan becomes a guiding force for the entire organization.