Including outsiders in your strategic planning and/or having outsiders review your existing strategic plan can be tremendously beneficial.

The timing is right on this - the mid-year is approaching and that's when most companies begin modifying their existing plans for the remainder of the year.  

Let's assume, because we're in the second quarter of the year, that you have a strategic plan.  Because you do, take the CEO Challenge and identify a fellow CEO whose insight you value and whom you know would respect the confidentiality of your strategic plan.  Invite your CEO to join you on your turf, review your strategic plan, ask questions about it, and critique it.  But remember, there are rules.  You have asked for feedback, so the only response you can give is "thank you."  There's no bigger jerk than someone who asks for your opinion and then argues with you about it.

Are you living by your strategic plan?  It's a state of being and should be adaptable and able to meet the needs of an ever-changing market place.

During your fellow CEO's visit, as he/she experiences a little bit about how your operation works, would he or she be able to tell that your employees live by this document just by asking a few simple questions?  If an outsider can't easily see that you're living by your plan, it may be time to revisit the plan.

If you have yet to formulate your strategic plan (shame on you), challenge yourself to invite your CEO or a valued executive colleague to help you create it.  They don't have to be a subject expert, and in fact, it would add tremendous value to your plan if they weren't.