I Have Plans

They say that battle plans always look good until the battle starts. Then everything changes in an instant regardless of what was expected. I think the same can be true in business.

Strategic Plans, Business Plans, Marketing Plans
I like plans. I like investing the time to think through what should happen, what could happen, and how I might manage the unexpected things that probably will pop up. It's almost a competition for me. 

How can I beat the system and help my organization win?

I love to win.

However, what happens when all of that thinking and planning and communicating launches and...guess what...things don't go as planned? For real.

That is the real test, right? Table top exercises are helpful, but woefully inadequate compared to the real thing. When leaders find the courage to authorize new initiatives and put them into practice, that is when the heart rate goes up and the rush of the world of business kicks in.

At least it does for me.

I love the rush.

Fear of Failure = Leadership Failure
If plans can be so effective, even if we need to be nimble enough to adjust them on the fly, why don't more leaders invest the time to build them? Why do organizations play the "we're so busy we don't have time to build a strategy" card?

I don't get it.

Plans work. Excuses don't.

How About You
What is standing in your way to think through what needs to be done in your organization? Candidly, developing effective plans takes much longer than you think. But the results will also be better, right?

That's how planning works. 

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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HR is Messy

A few years ago a member of my team asked me a question. We were discussing a sensitive issue that required some finesse to work through. I was also working toward a specific outcome, and knew I needed to take several important steps in order to get there.

She asked..."do you always have an agenda for everything?"

I Love Plans

For most of us...well, at least for me...I like to be in control of my situation. I want to understand the issues, prepare to address the ever-present political landmines, and be organized so I can deliver the results everyone expects from me.

Good plans do that. Heck, even half-baked plans can often do most of the job. But something happens in spite of having a clear work plan...and it seems to happen consistently.

People get involved.

A Beautiful Mess

Here's the part where I do not vent about people being a source of frustration as I try to get my work done "according to plan."

It turns out I'm one of those people that gets involved...even in my own plans! Sometimes I change my mind, or learn new information, or discover a new challenge that needs to be managed thoughtfully.

HR work is messy....and I love it.

How About You

The next time someone "interrupts" your plans, consider this: the world does not revolve around your view exclusively. If you are always the smartest one in the room, you have a pretty weak room.

Focus on being savvy, understanding all of the dynamics involved, and focus on the end result versus winning every battle along the way.

Oh, and my answer to her question about having an agenda?

It was yes, of course.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Morning After

I spend a lot of time focusing on action in my work. Building plans, developing complicated and sensitive relationships, and making decisions quickly to keep a long list of priorities moving forward.

Lots of time, energy and words invested in my daily life.

Action
One of the greatest leadership failures in my opinion is when a decision is not made. The never ending quest to ensure success; or rather, lack of mistakes, is a clear signal that the leader is anything but one. 

The ability to make timely decisions is a mandatory competency for leaders today. (It has always been this way!) But sadly, we see many who show their fear of leading with phrases like "review" or "take a closer look at" or "we'll follow up on that" instead of deciding.

Why invest so much time and energy into a plan and not execute it?
Why set expectations with your colleagues and not meet them?

Words
The ultimate test of any leader is their ability to deliver. If you have a terrific plan and never execute it what is your worth as a leader?

Nothing.

If you talk up how great things will be once you set your plans in motion but never actually build those plans let alone launch them, what is your worth as a leader?

Nothing.

If you are the classic all talk no action member of the team what is your worth to the organization?

Absolutely nothing.

How About You
The words we say are powerful. They represent who we are and what we do for our organizations every day. Don't be the one who wakes up the morning after it's all slipped away and wonder what happened.

Don't just talk about the work, get started. It doesn't matter if the plan is perfect. Get started now before a different decision is made about who the organization believes in to lead the way.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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