It was mid-year at a rapidly growing technology firm when the leadership team realised they were at risk of missing their major revenue targets. Despite having talented staff and great products, projects kept drifting off-course, resources were spread thin, and teams were often unclear on what to prioritise. The CEO called a meeting, and after some debate, they adopted a 1-3-5 strategic plan—a straightforward framework that would become the guiding force for their focus and decision-making.
The core of the 1-3-5 plan revolved around one big goal: to increase market share in three key regions. To reach this goal, they identified three essential priorities, each targeted at optimising product offerings, strengthening client relationships, and improving operational efficiency. Then, under each priority, they outlined five actionable steps, each with specific responsibilities and measurable targets. Within weeks, the entire organisation was aligned, and projects that once seemed to drift aimlessly were now progressing with a renewed sense of purpose. By the end of the year, they had not only hit their revenue targets but had also strengthened team cohesion and focus.
In cases like this, the impact of a 1-3-5 strategic plan becomes clear—it bridges the gap between big ideas and actionable tasks, creating a road map that drives real-world results. But what exactly makes this approach effective, and why is it so valuable for organisations?
What is a 1-3-5 Strategic Plan? At its core, a 1-3-5 strategic plan is a streamlined structure that transforms ambitious objectives into focused actions by breaking them into three levels:
- One Big Goal – The primary aim that the entire organisation rallies around.
- Three Key Priorities – The core areas of focus that support and bring this overarching goal to life.
- Five Actionable Steps per Priority – Specific, achievable actions under each priority, creating a clear pathway forward.
This setup might sound simple, but its structured simplicity is what makes it powerful, as it channels energy towards meaningful goals without unnecessary complexity.
Why is a 1-3-5 Strategic Plan So Effective? For many organisations, the 1-3-5 plan provides a clarity that is often missing in traditional strategic planning. Here’s how the structure supports real results:
- Clarity and Focus. Instead of trying to juggle multiple goals, a 1-3-5 plan keeps everyone focused on a single overarching objective, broken down into manageable pieces. This simplicity means that there is less ambiguity over what the primary mission is and how it will be accomplished.
- Measurable Progress. Each step in a 1-3-5 plan is actionable and measurable, enabling the team to track success or spot potential obstacles early on. The plan eliminates guesswork, allowing teams to keep an eye on key metrics and adjust actions if necessary to stay on course.
- Accountability. With roles and responsibilities clearly defined under each priority, a 1-3-5 plan fosters accountability across the organisation. Each person knows exactly what part they play, making it easier to stay motivated and productive.
- Flexibility. Although the 1-3-5 plan centres around a big goal, the individual steps under each priority can be adapted in response to changing circumstances. This balance of fixed and flexible elements allows organisations to stay aligned even as they face unexpected challenges.
- Team Alignment. By communicating goals through a simple and structured format, a 1-3-5 plan ensures that everyone—from top leadership to front-line staff—understands the direction and their role within it. This alignment helps to reduce duplication of effort and keeps resources focused where they’re most impactful.
What Happens Without a 1-3-5 Strategic Plan? Many organisations attempt to operate without a structured plan, relying instead on general aims and reactive decision-making. However, this approach often leads to a range of pitfalls:
- Lack of Focus. Without a 1-3-5 structure, organisations can end up “chasing fires,” constantly responding to urgent issues rather than progressing towards a meaningful goal. This lack of focus often results in energy and resources being wasted on initiatives that don’t drive real impact.
- Inability to Measure Success. When goals are broad and undefined, measuring success becomes subjective. This uncertainty makes it difficult to gauge progress and creates an environment where teams are unsure if they’re on track, resulting in delays or frustration.
- Reduced Accountability. Without a structure that defines clear responsibilities, accountability can quickly dissolve. People might feel their role is too ambiguous or that they lack the authority to make decisions, which undermines morale and momentum.
- Risk of Burnout. Without a structured plan, organisations tend to overload teams with numerous competing priorities. When everything is a “top priority,” it becomes impossible to focus, and the constant push to juggle multiple demands can lead to burnout. A 1-3-5 plan mitigates this by focusing on a few, high-impact initiatives.
- Disorganisation and Duplication. Without a cohesive strategy, teams may drift into silos, setting individual goals that conflict or overlap. This misalignment wastes resources, creating redundancy and confusion that ultimately weakens performance.
Implementing a 1-3-5 Strategic Plan. Starting a 1-3-5 strategic plan doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s how organisations can go about it:
- Define the Big Goal. Identify one overarching objective that will drive your organisation’s efforts. This should be an ambitious yet achievable aim that sets the tone for your strategy.
- Establish Three Key Priorities. Decide on three main areas of focus that support this big goal. These should cover the essential steps needed to bring your vision closer to reality.
- Outline Five Actionable Steps per Priority. For each priority, develop five practical actions or milestones, complete with deadlines, responsibilities, and measurable outcomes.
- Review Regularly and Adjust as Needed: A 1-3-5 plan is not a “set it and forget it” document. By regularly reviewing and refining steps, organisations can adapt to changes in the market, address emerging challenges, and stay aligned with the primary goal.
For any organisation, the simplicity of a 1-3-5 strategic plan can be transformative. It doesn’t just offer a roadmap; it provides the clarity, focus, and accountability needed to bring ambitious goals to life. And while challenges will always arise, this structure ensures that you’re prepared to face them with purpose and direction.