MOST (Mission, Objectives, Strategies and Tactics)
MOST is a strategic formulation tool designed to help organisations ensure their activities are aligned with their overall mission and objectives. There are four key layers in MOST:
- Mission: The organisation’s core purpose and what it aims to accomplish in the long term. This defines the reason for its existence and sets the foundation for strategy formulation.
- Objectives: The specific, measurable goals that are aligned with the mission. These objectives provide clear targets and benchmarks to track progress and success.
- Strategies: The approach to achieving the objectives. This involves deciding on the methods and resources needed to reach the objectives.
- Tactics: The detailed actions required to implement the strategies. These are the practical tasks and initiatives that will drive day-to-day operations.
MOST can be used at the end of the strategic formulation process to clearly communicate the strategy. This visual representation of the MOST helps stakeholders understand how the mission, objectives, strategies, and tactics fit together, facilitating better alignment and execution across the organisation.
The results
A clear visual one-page document showing the organisation’s mission, objectives, strategies, and tactics
When to use it
Starting a Business: When establishing a new organisation and setting the direction
Strategic Formulation: When undertaking strategy formulation and business planning
Setting Priorities: When determining which tactics or initiatives to prioritise
Strengths
Helpful visual tool
Enables focus through clear communication
Forces a concise 1-page strategy
Weaknesses
Does not encourage strategic analysis
Not as rigorous as other strategic formulation tools
Doesn’t explicitly consider the market or competitors
Can oversimplify complexity
How to use it?
What do I need to start?
Information about the organisation. For example:
- An understanding of why the organisation exists and who it’s there to serve
- Insights on how the organisation is currently performing
- An understanding of the competitive environment
How to use it?
Who to involve?
MOST is generally done with a team. Consider involving:
- People who are accountable for setting the strategic direction of the organisation
- People who can help translate the strategic direction into initiatives
- People responsible for the delivery of the plan across the organisation
Step by step
1
Define the mission
Assemble key stakeholders to define or review the mission.
Clearly articulate the organisation’s fundamental purpose and reason for existence. This should be a succinct statement that guides all company actions and decisions. Ask questions like:
- What is the primary reason our organisation exists?
- What are the core values and vision of the organisation?
- How do we want to impact our customers and community?
- What makes our mission unique?
2
Brainstorm objectives
Based on the mission, identify specific goals that need to be achieved to fulfil the mission. These goals should be directly aligned with the mission statement. Ask questions like:
- What specific outcomes do we need to achieve our mission?
- How do these goals support our overall mission?
- What are the short-term and long-term goals?
Ensure each objective is measurable. Consider using Smart Goals. Ask questions like:
- Are our objectives specific and clear?
- Can we measure the success of each objective?
- Are these objectives realistic and attainable?
3
Prioritise objectives
Rank objectives based on their importance and potential impact on achieving the mission. Ask questions like:
- Which objectives will have the most significant impact on our mission?
- What resources are required for each objective?
4
Brainstorm strategies
Consider using other strategic analysis tools like SWOT, PESTEL and Porters 5 Forces to inform strategy formation. Ask questions like:
- What are the key trends and shifts in the market, and how can our organisation leverage them?
- Who are our main competitors, and what are their strengths and weaknesses compared to our own?
- What are our core competencies, and how can we align them with our long-term mission and objectives?
- What are the major pain points and unmet needs of our target customers, and how can we address them through our offerings?
- How can we optimise our resource allocation (e.g. financial, human) for maximum impact?
Identify strategies that can be used to achieve the objectives.
5
Select the strategy
Consider and select a strategy that is likely to be most effective.
Ensure the strategy is realistic and aligned with organisational capabilities. Ask questions like:
- What strategy is most likely to succeed?
- Do we have the resources and capabilities to implement this strategy?
- How does this strategy align with our mission and objectives?
6
Plan tactics
Break down the strategy into specific tactics. Ask questions like:
- What actions are needed to implement the strategy?
- What are the most important actions?
- What are the success criteria for each action?
- How will the impact of the actions be measured?
Decide on the most important tactics, and identify supporting initiatives.
It can be useful to define who is responsible for each initiative and what the key deliverables are. Consider using Road mapping and 1-page Business Cases.