Dwight D. Eisenhower was Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces in Europe during the Second World War and later served as President of the United States. He oversaw the invasion of Europe, one of history's most complex (and highly planned) military operations.
Despite all that, he famously said, "In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."
You might find that somewhat confusing. How can planning be indispensable if plans are useless? Let's unpack that.
Eisenhower's statement highlights a crucial distinction between the act of planning and the plan itself.
In the business context, this translates to understanding that while our plans may not always unfold as expected, the process of planning can be invaluable if done well.
True planning, as Eisenhower practiced and advocated, goes beyond mere list-making.
It's an exercise in strategic thinking, preparing for various potential outcomes, and being ready to adapt when the unexpected occurs. It's about thinking ahead about what could go wrong and having a plan B, C, and even D in place.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, agility is key.
However, embracing agility doesn't mean underthinking or ignoring potential conflicts.
Instead, it's about creating a robust mental scaffolding that enables us to navigate through challenges and uncertainties effectively.
As we plan, our focus should be on preparing our minds for what lies ahead, equipping ourselves with the knowledge, skills, and flexibility needed to tackle challenges head-on. This kind of planning builds resilience and ensures that we're not just following a script but are ready to improvise and adapt as the situation demands.
In essence, let's reframe planning.
It's not about crafting a perfect plan but about being well-prepared to handle imperfection. It's about readiness, adaptability, and strategic foresight. That's the kind of planning that makes businesses thrive, even in the most turbulent times.
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I help leaders and teams unlock their potential through the power of enactive strategy.
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#strategy #strategicplanning #leadership #Planning
Event Producer @ One More Time VIP
1moWay to go Zach Kennedy, MBA !