Planning Is The Key To Getting It Done

As a consultant, professional negotiator, convention/ conference/ event organizer/ planner, and executive for over three decades, I have consistently observed that one of the greatest stumbling blocks to successfully achieving any goals, plans or objectives, is a lack of either understanding or appreciation of the importance of planning. Too many individuals seem to believe, or at least act like they seem to believe, that things will just happen and come together by themselves. Unfortunately or fortunately, planning is essential for most successful endeavors or ventures, and not only must one plan, but generally it is imperative to plan in advance.

There are some who have called me too detail-oriented, and have accused me from everything from micromanaging to being too concerned with the details. While some may feel that way, the accusers are almost never the implementers or the doers, but are generally first in line to gripe and complain if something doesn't work out "just right." I feel strongly that what some consider micromanaging is rather a lack of trust that I have developed over the years, after observing what often occurs when you assign a task to someone less skilled, knowledgeable, or accomplished. Instead of saving time and effort, that "delegating" generally wastes more time and effort, and consistently creates more stress, as well. The end result is generally that you must then review every detail anyway if you want to be certain that it's right, for an organizer and coordinator is in fact held responsible. There is nothing constructive about blaming others, and if one organizes himself well, and plans ahead from the beginning, it takes less time, and is far less stressful, to simply do many things oneself.

Of course, there are certain things that should be delegated, but usually, it is not for the sake of efficiency, but rather "stroking the ego" of those that you need to be involved. Some activities require additional bodies, and if their egos are not stroked, one often does not get optimum cooperation.

The leader, planner or organizer should create a flowing, specific time line, when individual tasks must be done along the way. This time line must be part of the overall action plan, which includes not only this time line, but also identifies who will be doing what, and who may approve which details.

Anyone who does not sufficiently and painstakingly plan ahead, in as much detail as possible, is opening himself up to failure, unnecessary stress, and far less than the best possible outcome. There are no shortcuts or replacements to proper planning.