Many companies have superstars waiting in the wings who are looking for their opportunity to make their contribution to the business. These employees might be accountants, financial planners or managers of other sectors that might have the ideas that could take the corporation to the next level.

When creating a team to partake in the strategic planning process, CEOs should consider asking these employees to join in and share their insights for how the company could improve efficiency and operations. Below is a list of ways these employees can take that opportunity and run with it.

Prepare, prepare, prepare
This can be the big break that employees have been waiting months and even years for, so it is imperative that they spend a lot of time doing their homework and researching ideas that lead to strong strategic planning.

Accountants who are looking to make a lasting impression on their higher-ups should focus on business budgeting, while financial planners can make suggestions about financial forecasting. Creating detailed, flawless plans for these processes can ingratiate employees with executives. But to really show their worth, accountants and financial planners need to be able to clearly explain their ideas to business leaders.

Leave fears at the door
After doing all the necessary research for this important meeting and being as prepared as possible, it would be silly to not speak up when the opportunity arises. Accountants, financial planners and managers should not be intimidated by higher-level executives, as they will be receptive to good ideas that will improve their strategic plan. Sharing good insights and building on the ideas of others can show executives that these employees belong at the table.

Have examples readily available
The common adage "talk is cheap" definitely applies during the strategic planning phase for large corporations. Higher ups want members of the company to show them how their ideas will benefit the organization through examples and presentations. The strategic planning process is an opportunity to bring new ideas to the forefront of the minds of business leaders, which is why employees invited to the conversation should be able to defend their ideas with accurate data and projections.

Don't push a personal agenda
While business leaders may have asked certain employees to take part in the strategic planning process, they don't want to hear about ideas that don't have to do with planning the future of the corporation. Pushing personal agendas will leave business leaders thinking the individual is not a team player and not focused on the future of the company. Employees who want to make a name for themselves and get recognized should instead find ways to contribute something meaningful to the discussion, as this will be viewed upon much more favorably than a clearly personal agenda.

Ask for work after the planning process
Business leaders at large corporations will be impressed by employees who are eager to take on work after the strategic planning meeting. Asking to take on certain projects relevant to their expertise will not only leave a last impression on executives, but it will also give employees an opportunity to start on an initiative that can make a difference within the organization. Taking on these projects will also give employees a shot at being involved in future strategic planning conversations.

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