> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://innowayit-1.gitbook.io/framework/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://innowayit-1.gitbook.io/framework/formulation/guide.md).
# GUIDE
> **We often fall because, not knowing how to walk, but not knowing which way to choose**-- Unknown
Policies are a mechanism for guiding strategy execution. They are like the guardrails on a highway that protect vehicles from hitting roadside obstacles or oncoming traffic. Policies are directional in nature and are usually selected from a list of possible options.
A policy is
> a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political party - Cambridge dictionary
According to Richard Rumelt:
> A *guiding policy* is an overall approach chosen to cope with or overcome the obstacles identified in the diagnosis. Like the guardrails on a highway, the guiding policy directs and constrains action in certain directions without defining exactly what shall be done.
### Objectives
1. Provide guardrails for strategy execution
2. Clarity on what needs to be done
3. Consistency in organizational processes
4. Keep everyone on the same page
### Approach
1. Define policy statement based on decision made in the Decide Phase
2. Initiative Enterprise Architecture Planning
### Actors
1. Facilitator
2. Subject Matter Expert(s)
### Output
1. Policy guidelines
### Activities
#### Document policy guidelines
Policies guidelines are document using a template which provides information about
* Application of the policy
* Purpose
* Background
* Guidelines
* Definitions
* Relevant guidelines or documents
* Owner of the policy
* Custodian of the policy
* Date approved
#### Document a summary Guiding Policy
A summary of the guiding policies should be documented which provide a brief statement about the policies relevant to the strategy.
Workflow: [Manage Guiding Policies](/framework/workflows/manage-guiding-policies.md)
#### Initiative Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise architecture (EA) is a discipline to provide guidance on technology. An enterprise architecture for this strategy should be documented.
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