Eisenhower said, “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Planning was important to Eisenhower because he used it to guide his decision making in the heat of the battle. It’s not much different for us when we’re competing in the marketplace, which can often feel like a battle!
Top leaders understand that instead of viewing planning as a low-value but necessary exercise, it’s a worthwhile endeavor that will prepare them to make more informed decisions throughout the year. When challenges or opportunities come along, they can be evaluated against the plan for overall fit with the strategies and tactics that have been chosen.
So it’s not about the long, fancy plan, it’s about roll-up your sleeves and do the dirty work kind of planning that will be a roadmap for day to day decision making.
