Planning involves seeing beyond the next hill and getting everyone in your team to see to appreciate the essentials of its situation. The leader’s main planning role is to decide on the why, what and how of any initiative.
- Asking Why determines the content of your plan. Consider a range of options before making a decision on which to pursue. Assuming there is sufficient time, this may be an opportune moment to gain input and suggestions from followers and collaborators.
- Asking What determines your mission. You have to determine what your boss, the organization as a whole, and your peers throughout the organization expect you and your team to accomplish. Additionally, you must also incorporate the needs and concerns of customers (if you have any) and any external stakeholders. Your mission is the unique and essential contribution of you and your team to the objectives of the organization.
- Asking How determines the content of your plan. Consider a range of options before making a decision on which to pursue. Assuming there is sufficient time, this may be an opportune moment to gain input and suggestions from followers and collaborators.
Richard Martin is a Master Strategist and Leadership Catalyst. Richard brings his military and business leadership and management experience to bear for executives and organizations seeking to radically improve performance, grow, and thrive in the face of rapid change, harsh competition, and increasing uncertainty.
© 2014 Richard Martin. Reproduction and quotes are permitted with proper attribution.