The 4 Pitfalls Of Planning: Pitfall #2
The 4 Pitfalls Of Planning: Pitfall #2.
Planning is good and essential. But it's also necessary to remember that no plan survives the "Battlefield".?Here's Planning Pitfall #2:Trying To Plan In Too Much DetailSound plans include thorough details and contingencies.
Pitfall #2 often stems from the desire to leave as little as possible to chance. This is natural and based on our need as humans to minimize uncertainty.People often respond to uncertainty by planning in more detail to try to account for every possibility.
This attempt to prepare detailed plans under uncertain conditions generates even more anxiety, which leads to even more detailed planning.?Often this over planning results in an extremely detailed plan that does not survive the friction of the situation and that constricts effective action.Paradoxically, the less certain the situation, the fewer details a plan should include. That's because planning in unnecessary detail consumes limited time and resources that subordinates need.
?How much time should leaders use for planning? Follow the "one-third–two-thirds rule" to allocate time available. Use one-third of the time available before execution for planning and allocate the remaining two-thirds to subordinates for planning and preparation.
This mindset can help keep the overplanning ( and overthinking ) to a minimum.
Planning Pitfall #3 Coming Soon...
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1 年That's a very interesting point Dan Boswell In the supply chain, planning and forecasting is the norm, for example to trigger production or replenish shops. When I read your article, I wondered: when to plan and when not to plan. I think the line is quite simple. ?? If you have to make a decision/commitment now for something uncertain that will happen in a few weeks/months, it is better to carefully plan, consider different scenarios and make an informed decision. ?? If you don't have to commit now to a specific decision, or if you can postpone (at least partially) your commitment, then indeed it is better not to overthink/overplan and be prepared to be flexible to deal with what will happen. What is your opinion, Dan?