by Richard Martin
1. Recognize that there is always friction, uncertainty, ignorance, and opponents’ actions and intentions. Work to reduce them.
2. Formulate assumptions for planning but follow up and validate as information comes in.
3. Formulate scenarios to guide in planning and readiness.
4. Develop options and select the optimal one for implementation, while keeping the others as alternates or contingency plans.
5. Keep things simple.
6. Advance on a wide front and probe for opportunities, gaps, and weaknesses.
7. Explain your overall intent and let your people use their initiative to find ways to achieve it.
8. Keep resources in reserve to absorb failures or exploit opportunities.
My name is Richard Martin and I’m an expert on applying readiness principles to position companies and leaders to grow and thrive by shaping and exploiting change and opportunity, instead of just passively succumbing to uncertainty and risk.
© 2017 Alcera Consulting Inc. This article may be used for non-commercial use with proper attribution.