I’ve been hearing the declaration “I can’t make plans” a lot lately. This is usually followed by an explanation that, clearly in this time of uncertainty, “it’s just not possible to plan ahead”.
Bullocks.
Not only is it possible, it is now more important than ever!
As a leader(and most people reading this are) you must still have a plan. Your team, your employees, your family, yourself all want you to have a plan. They will not say this out loud perhaps. They may even scoff at the notion of planning when the world will likely be upside down again by next week. But so what?
Plans change. All the time. Not just in times of uncertainty. I’m sure you’ve had many plans and projects where you’ve set out on one course and ended up changing it more than once to get to your destination.
It’s okay I do get it. I understand that things are changing more often and it feels like nothing can be certain.But when is anything ever certain? And why should that stop you from moving forward, from leading however best you can with what you have?
Here is how it works. You consult the current information about the landscape you and your business/team find yourself in. You may also consult with others around you. Then based on the information you have now, you make a decision on a course of action. The point is, you must make decisions about your strategy and run with that model so long as it’s viable.
When we stop making decisions become inert, we feel powerless. Those around us, who look to us for leadership, get confused and apathetic. Now is the time when your leadership is needed more than ever.
Whether you’re leading a team, a company, a family or yourself – all are important. Don’t stop making decisions and taking action. Just adjust some other things…
Yes, you will need to adjust your expectations.
You may have to change the plan again when you have new information. But that’s good right? You want to making decisions with the best and most up-to-date knowledge.
You will need to be flexible.
Holding on too tightly to your plan is not a winning strategy. Goals are always meant to be guideposts and you while you still continue to look to your destination, be a little flexible with how you get there and how long it takes.
You will need to review your plan.
Of course it goes without saying that you will make a plan and also a plan to review it in a month’s time (or week’s time..).
All of these three things work together: adjust your expectations, stay flexible on your path and review regularly. Apply this approach and you can make any plan right now.
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