The Planning Process!

“Planning is everything, plans are worthless." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

There is perhaps no leadership dictum that means more to me. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned, the General is saying, but a thoughtful and thorough review and discussion of history, contingencies, and opportunities will give us more and better options to prosper and grow.  

As we consider The Planning Process, we must focus on three key questions: 

1)Where have we been? 

The lessons learned from our reflected experience, whether individual or collective, are among our most valuable. A candid and honest analysis of our history can reveal our flaws and our solid foundations, our obstacles, and our opportunities. In particular, a truthful appraisal of our mistakes can give us the tools for needed course corrections. When we have a culture that allows us to analyze our past experiences in a way that propels us rather than burdens us, then all of us can have the fuel and the fire to be our very best! .

2)Where are we now? 

It is the responsibility of leadership to establish a culture based on reality. We must all live in the truth and use that to assess our present and debate our future. Finding clarity in the current situation will liberate our minds and unleash our creativity, allowing for less confusion, doubt, stress, and better collaboration for all involved. When we guide those in our organization to see ourselves as we really are, then everyone will be able to pull together and take another step. 

3)Where are we going? 

Before we embark upon our journey into the future, we must understand our mission. It has been said that if you don't know where you're going, then any road will get you there. The very essence of planning is to advance towards a goal with intention. This type of planning is best when it is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relatable, and Time-limited (SMART). A purposeful and disciplined process that incorporates these elements will produce predictable and consistent results, and, as with any well-conceived plan, will allow for appropriate and timely adjustments to realize maximum benefit. Once those around us see our focus, intention, and passion to build a brighter future, then everyone around us will take another step.

When we involve our key people in this ongoing exercise of reflection, discovery, and collaboration, then everyone can be invested in building a future together, and we can all unite to take another step.

This is a great process. This motivates me for another year. I have been doing this process over the last 20+ years. At the beginning of the year, I am fresh and confident for the next year's battle from the wins and wounds of the previous year. Then at the end of the year, I look back at the beginning and say “Man, I did not know very much at the beginning” because I learned so much during the year. Each year I reflect on how and why I have taken another step towards me being my very best.

• Do you reflect on the past events, wins or loses?
• Do you find reality before you move forward?
• Do you plan and discuss how you can become a better _______ for the next year?

 Love to connect with you and discuss how you use this tool to make substantial gains in 2021 or to hear how you plan and make progress year after year.