How to Run a Quarterly Planning Session

Why Running a Quarterly Planning Session Task Matters

Quarterly Planning is one of the most effective ways to keep your business focused and moving forward. Instead of scrambling at year-end, you break your vision into 90-day chunks. This allows you to set clear priorities, align your team, and ensure strong Execution throughout the year.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, regular planning and performance tracking are among the top predictors of small business success (SBA.gov).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Block the Time

   • Schedule a half-day (3–4 hours).

   • Remove distractions — phones off, email closed.
     

2. Review the Previous Quarter

   • Wins and achievements.

   • Misses and lessons learned.

   • Metrics review: revenue, cash flow, leads, client retention.
     

3. Set Quarterly Priorities (The Big 3)

   • Choose 3–5 key objectives, not 20.

   • Make sure each is specific and measurable.
     

4. Break Down the Priorities

   • Define milestones for each.

   • Assign owners and deadlines.
     

5. Plan for Execution

   • Decide how progress will be tracked (weekly meetings, dashboards, KPIs).

   • Build accountability into your calendar.
     

6. Close with Alignment

   • Summarize priorities.

   • Confirm who owns what.

   • End with clarity and confidence.
     

Helpful Tools or Templates

• One-Page Quarterly Planning Template (goals, owners, deadlines, KPIs).

• Project management software like Asana, Trello, or ClickUp for Execution.

• Financial planning tools like QuickBooks or a Strategic Planning framework for forecasting.
  

Pro Tips from Experience

• Keep it visual: Use whiteboards or digital dashboards.

• Stay realistic: It’s better to complete three priorities than fail at ten.

• Involve your team: Ownership creates accountability.

• Revisit weekly: Quarterly planning fails without consistent follow-up.
  

Common Pitfalls

• Setting too many goals (“everything is a priority”).

• Skipping the review of last quarter — missing lessons.

• Focusing on tasks, not outcomes.

• Forgetting to assign ownership and accountability.
  

Final Checklist

Before wrapping up your Quarterly Planning session, confirm that you have:

•  Reviewed last quarter’s performance

•  Chosen 3–5 clear priorities

•  Defined milestones and owners

•  Scheduled accountability check-ins

•  Shared a one-page plan with your team
  

Conclusion

Quarterly Planning doesn’t need to be complicated. Done right, it keeps you focused on what matters most and ensures consistent Execution. Instead of hoping for growth, you create it — one quarter at a time.

Ready to align your business with expert support? Check out Development Theory's Strategic Planning Services.