What do you do if your airport's strategic planning is falling short?

1 Assess Gaps

The first step in addressing shortcomings in your airport's strategic planning is to conduct a thorough gap analysis. This involves comparing your current operational outcomes with the goals outlined in your strategic plan. You need to identify where the discrepancies are occurring and understand the underlying reasons for these gaps. It might be due to changes in the aviation industry, shifts in passenger behavior, or internal issues such as resource allocation or management practices. Once you've pinpointed the areas of concern, you can begin to develop targeted strategies to bridge these gaps.

2 Engage Teams

Involving your airport's various departments is key to refining your strategic plan. Each team has unique insights into the daily operations and challenges faced by the airport. By engaging with them, you can gather valuable feedback on what's working and what isn't. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of ownership among staff but also ensures that any adjustments to the strategic plan are grounded in practical experience. Encourage open communication and create a platform where employees can share their ideas and suggestions for improvement.

3 Update Plans

Once you've identified the gaps and consulted with your teams, it's time to update your strategic plan. This means revisiting your goals and objectives to ensure they are still relevant and achievable. It may also involve re-prioritizing certain initiatives or reallocating resources to areas that require more attention. The updated plan should reflect the current realities of the airport and the broader aviation industry while setting a clear direction for future growth and development. Remember, a strategic plan is a living document that must evolve as circumstances change.

4 Monitor Progress

Continuous monitoring of your strategic plan's implementation is vital. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your strategic objectives and track them regularly. This will help you quickly identify when things are veering off course and allow you to implement corrective actions promptly. Regular progress reports should be shared with all stakeholders to maintain transparency and accountability. Monitoring isn't just about oversight; it's about ensuring that every aspect of your airport is contributing to the overarching strategic goals.

5 Train Staff

Ensuring that your staff is well-trained and equipped to execute the strategic plan is crucial. This might involve providing additional training or professional development opportunities that align with the updated strategic objectives. When staff members understand how their roles contribute to the airport's goals, they are more likely to be engaged and proactive in their duties. Training should be seen as an ongoing investment in your workforce, one that pays dividends in the form of improved performance and better alignment with strategic planning.

6 Innovate Constantly

Finally, fostering a culture of innovation within your airport can help overcome strategic planning challenges. Encourage staff to think creatively about solving problems and improving operations. Stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends that could be leveraged to enhance efficiency and passenger experience. Innovation shouldn't be sporadic; it should be embedded in your airport's ethos, driving continuous improvement and ensuring that your strategic planning remains dynamic and responsive to change.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?