The hidden power of planning

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.

You know it. I know it.

But we keep planning.

Why?

Because plans are worthless, but planning is everything.

Those are not my words, but the words of Eisenhower. He realized like no other that a plan is just a document.

It’s the analysis, thought process, collaboration, and decision-making that went into creating it that holds the real value.

Because even when nothing will go according to plan, planning gives you confidence, options, and speed.

It’s like a lighthouse - guidance in a storm.

Because planning forces you to understand the landscape. This background knowledge will help you consider your options when (not if) things don’t to plan.

And that research process?

That has a second benefit. It draws stakeholders closer. Because you’re listening to each other. You’re contributing to a common understanding where expectations are shared and assumptions are tested.

No one ever complained that their team was too aligned.

The tradeoffs you’ll make between constraints like time, budget, and scope give you the input you need to ask for the right resources - both now and once you need to adjust down the road.

A well-thought-out plan also gives you a framework for informed decision-making as the project progresses. Even if the plan changes, the principles and options you established during planning remain valuable.

Last but not least, planning helps you manage expectations. With a plan in hand, you can go back to your client, sponsor, and key stakeholders and explain what they can expect.

Often you’ll find there’s a gap between their idea of the project and what your plan shows is feasible. Imagine not discussing that upfront and just getting started - that’d set your team up for failure from day one.

Think of it like a cross-country road trip.

Planning means figuring out your route options, where you can stop for food & gas, and where you can sleep along the way.

With all that information, you’ll decide which route you’ll take. That’s the plan.

But when you hit the inevitable roadblock, you can readjust in minutes. Why? Because you have options that you’ve thought through before you started.

No surprises. No drama. Zoom out, reconsider, commit, and continue.

Because the power is in the planning, not in the plan.

That’s the difference between reacting to manage consequences and proactive project leadership.

Speaking of planning…

If you’ve planned to upgrade your project management game this year, I got you.

Next month you can join almost 200 project managers and learn step by step how I translate stakeholder expectations into a realistic project plan, and much more.

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Happy planning,
Jasper