I am something of a recent convert to planning.
Up until about three years ago, no-one who knew me would describe me as a planner. I love spontaneity, I love adventure. I love going with the flow and seeing what will happen next. I love going out for a meal with no idea where we are going to eat. And I am nearly always the last person to order - once everyone else has ordered and the wait staff are waiting… for me to make up my mind.
I am, nevertheless, a convert to planning. Over the last few years in particular, I have found myself involved in leading ever more complex structures and organisations. I have witnessed great projects flounder through lack of planning. I have appreciated the wisdom of others, and come to see that planning and creativity are not mutually exclusive. And I have noticed that, particularly when leading in contexts where there is resistance to change, or heightened emotion and anxiety, having a plan is incredibly valuable.
We find ourselves now in an unprecedented period of change, instability and uncertainty. Can planning have any place at all in times like these? My experience suggests that it is crucial. Here are two rhythms of planning which I have embraced over the last couple of years. I commend these to all of us seeking to lead, to survive, to thrive in these uncertain times:
Weekly Review and Plan
At the start of every week I reflect on the last week. What went well? What didn’t go so well? What will I do differently this week? What will I do the same?
What are my three top priorities to focus on in the week that lies ahead?
How will I care for myself and for others in the week ahead?
Daily Plan
At the start of every day I think carefully about the three most important tasks I have to get done today. I write these down. These are my daily ‘big three’. I keep these in front of me during the day, and tick them off when they’re done.
None of that is rocket science. Rather it is simple. And powerful. And effective.
Certainly other levels of planning are important too - especially planning longer-term than just the day and the week that lies ahead. But while planning of that kind is much more difficult when everything is in flux, planning the week and planning the day is a lifesaver.
Rosa Parks, the American activist during the civil rights movements, is quoted as saying.
I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.
What difference would it make to your leadership, to plan and prioritise your week and your day? Why not start today?
If you found this article helpful, why not subscribe to our Helping Leaders Lead email list and receive future articles as soon as they are published?