“Well planned does not mean you know the next step. Well planned means (ideally) you are writing a draft of history, before it happens.”
– Capt. Jim Briggs, Austin bidness-man and military alumni
In response to yesterday’s post, Captain Briggs offered this, as part of a response he sent over via e-mail. It’s a unique and valuable perspective on the concept and importance of planning.
“It’s (one day, week, month, quarter, year) from now. _______ just happened. We knew / did not know _______ was going to happen. What are our options / choices? What might we do next?” These are valuable questions to ask as we build plans.
Covey’s mantra is beginning with the end in mind, and when we do just that and then work our way backwards to the beginning, our plans take on more meaning, because they’re anchored in the outcomes we desire. There is a difference between the outcome we desire and “an outcome.”
Everyone gets an outcome. Difference makers get the outcomes they desire.
Thanks, Captain Briggs!
Leave a Reply