"Plans are nothing; planning is everything." - US President Dwight D. Eisenhower
On any successful team there is a blend of various skills and strengths.
Among the essential skills...planning stands out as a critical component...Not to be confused with Financial Planning.
I do not have a great planner on my team. It is holding me back.
Having a great business planner on your team is a game-changer.
However, one of the most common yet counterproductive behaviors in organizations is when team members, or sometimes even leaders, derail the meticulous plans laid out by these planning experts.
I have seen this unfold too many times.
If you are fortunate enough to have someone on your team who can diligently plan out projects...get out of their way!!!
A planner doesn’t just create a roadmap for projects; they anticipate obstacles, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that everyone knows their role.
When someone disrupts these plans, it’s like throwing a wrench into a finely tuned machine.
The result? Slowdowns, confusion, and unnecessary friction.Great planners bring clarity and direction to a team.
Steve Jobs once said, "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do."
Trusting your planners means allowing them to execute their strategies without constant interference.
Planners thrive on structure and predictability; their ability to deliver results hinges on their plans being respected and followed.
If you are lucky enough to have a great planner on your team here are a few practical steps to ensure they can work effectively:
Clear Communication: Establish clear lines of communication and set expectations. Ensure that everyone understands the plan and their role within it.
Trust and Empowerment: Trust your planners and empower them to make decisions. Avoid the temptation to second-guess or alter plans without thorough discussion.
Feedback Loop: Create a feedback loop where planners can receive constructive input from the team. This helps in refining plans without derailing them.
Minimize Interruptions: Protect the integrity of the plan by minimizing unnecessary interruptions and changes. Encourage a culture of sticking to the plan unless absolutely necessary.
Remember, your planners are there for a reason – let them lead the way.
The bottom line is simple...don’t unplan the planner!
Or as the kids say today..."Let them cook!!!"
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