It is a terrific idea for executive-development professionals to play a role in the strategic-planning process, the formation of high-level goals and execution plans. Why? Strategy formulation is the process of choosing the best path for an organization, based on customer needs, competitive realities, and internal capabilities. Those organizations that can integrate all three perspectives effectively into strategic planning will have more robust strategies and will perform better. The planning process also benefits an executive's personal development; the process stretches thinking, builds new skills, and provides an opportunity for top management to see up and coming talent in action.