Based on extensive research and consulting experience, the authors of this book affirm that an organization's managerial performance as well as an individual's own personal effectiveness can be greatly enhanced through the Use of mental imagery or visualization techniques. Mental imagery allows its practitioners to learn about management through mental as well as actual practice. It effectively generates a performance orientation in which the individual is required to rehearse specific behaviors for optimum results. The practice of mental imagery techniques are not altogether new. Their application in the field of management, however, represents a valuable innovation that will be of special interest to a wide variety of managerial professionals and the people who train them.

Anthony presents current thinking and research on strategic planning in a usable, concise, and practical form. He offers concrete examples and field-tested methods and presents a synthesis of current research findings, writings, and experiences. He identifies and discusses in detail the five key elements in strategic planning. Clearly outlining the steps in the process, he examines environmental forecasting, customer/market analysis, strategic planning premises, internal assessment, mission development, strategic thrusts, and operationalizing the plan. Anthony includes over 25 forms, blank and completed, that managers in the past have found useful for synthesizing, recording, and presenting critical information in the planning process. He devotes an entire chapter to a complete example of one company's strategic plan, allowing other organizations to see how his principles and forms have been applied.