Hannibal was famous for saying “I love it when a plan comes together." It’s important to point out that I’m not talking about the famous Carthaginian general and statesman. I’m talking about the leader of the A-Team from television.You have to admit, however, that taking elephants over the Alps was a pretty bold strategy. More on him another time.
I too love when a plan comes together, and it doesn’t matter what the plan is for: marathoning, road trips, work issues, how to get to work in the rain in traffic, or a baseball glove rehab and replacing project. There is research to suggest that some people enjoy the planning and anticipation more than the event or payoff itself. I believe this from personal experience. Not that I don’t enjoy vacation! I certainly do. Perfectly executing a vision for something just adds to the enjoyment.
Over the past three years at Shield Illinois, I have been fortunate to indulge the planning side of my brain in a number of time-sensitive, high-importance operations. I’ve leveraged my background in law enforcement (incident command and emergency management) to inform and drive logistical solutions for complicated problems we’ve encountered and been asked to solve problems that others could not. Still, the plan itself is only part of the solution. You still need to be able to execute the plan. That’s where the A-Team comes in.
During the television show’s opening monologue, it describes the A-Team as a group of people you turn to “if you have a problem, and no one else can help…” My team has adopted that “whatever it takes” mentality and consistently demonstrated that they really can handle anything that is thrown at them, with zero notice. For that, I am consistently proud of and impressed by their tenacity and compassion for others in the service they provide.
Over the past week, I worked in Chicago with members of my team to complete one final mission. Unsurprisingly, my team was up for it, and delivered big time. Across the board, they surpassed expectations. We had a great plan, the right people, and everything went the way it should. Even still, we had great people ready to jump in and support where and if things went wrong.It was a beautiful thing.
The operational phase of Shield Illinois is winding down, and it allows me the chance to reflect on the many times that the organization did things that others did not think was possible. Sometimes our plans were outrageous and yet, they came together. Hannibal would love it.Both of them.
I reflected on the repeated successes we enjoyed and thought a lot about the elements of a good plan. How do you begin to accomplish things that require careful planning? Here’s what I think you really need, especially as you increase in complexity:
What makes a good plan?
A good plan starts with well-defined objectives that are clear, specific, and measurable. Everyone should understand what you’re trying to do and why.
2. Realistic and Achievable Goals:
The end goal should be attainable within the given constraints, such as time, resources, and capabilities. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and demotivation.
3. Thorough Research and Analysis:
The plan should include relevant information and consider various factors that may impact the plan's success. This is one of my favorite parts of the planning. Ask questions like “What happens if this goes wrong?” What will we do if this?
4. Effective Strategies and Action Steps:
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A good plan outlines clear strategies and action steps to achieve the objectives and goals. Simpler is better.Strategies should be aligned with the overall vision and purpose, and action steps should be specific, time-bound, and assigned to responsible individuals or teams. That’s it.
5. Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning:
Your plan must consider potential risks and includes contingency measures to address them. This involves identifying possible obstacles, evaluating their impact, and developing alternative solutions or backup plans.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability:
A good plan is not rigid but allows for adjustments and modifications as circ*mstances change.It should be flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen events or changing priorities while still staying focused on the end goal.
7. Clear Communication and Accountability:
A good plan ensures that all stakeholders understand their roles, responsibilities, and expectations. It emphasizes clear communication channels and promotes accountability among team members or individuals involved in executing the plan.
8. Regular Evaluation and Review:
A good plan includes mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and review to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments.This helps to ensure that the plan remains relevant and effective throughout its implementation.
I’ve made a lot of plans for a lot of things. This framework helps a lot, and I’ve internalized much of it as I plan for various things.
Conclusion
In the end, there's something undeniably gratifying about seeing a plan come together, whether it's a grand vision or a simple daily task. The process of planning, strategizing, and executing not only brings a sense of accomplishment but also teaches us valuable lessons along the way. As I reflect on my own experiences and the elements of a good plan, it becomes clear that clear objectives, realistic goals, thorough research, effective strategies, risk assessment, flexibility, communication, and evaluation are key ingredients for success.
However, you must remember that a plan is only part of the equation. The true magic lies in the people who execute it—the individuals who adapt and adjust when unforeseen circ*mstances arise, the teammates who go above and beyond to support one another, and the leaders who foster an environment of trust and collaboration. It is their dedication and unwavering commitment to the overarching objective that make the difference between an ordinary plan and an extraordinary outcome.
As you navigate your own endeavors, whether personal or professional, take a moment to appreciate the power of planning and execution. Reflect on the lessons learned from each experience and consider how you can use your planning skills to benefit others. Those things should inform your next great plan. Most importantly, never underestimate the value of expressing gratitude to the exceptional individuals who contribute to the success of a plan.
It's not just about the plan, it’s about the people, the teamwork, and the unwavering belief that with careful planning and dedicated execution, great things are possible. I encourage you to embrace the process, celebrate the victories when a plan comes together, and continue to learn, grow, and inspire those around you.
I'd like to learn from you. What was your best plan? Why was it so? Do you have a process for formulating a plan?
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