P.L.A.N.
Planning is critical to many things in our life. There are varying types of plans, business plans, work plans, retirement plans, safety plans….You have probably heard the old saying “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. While this saying is true, you can also fail by not taking action.
I like to use the acronym P.L.A.N. to help me remember the importance of a plan and how to plan for purpose. As we enter 2022, I will share with you some key points from my Keynote “How to Execute Excellence with a P.L.A.N.”
Purpose –
“The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” Purpose is powerful when you understand the “WHY” behind what you are doing and even more important “WHY” you exist you will have congruency in your mission. The purpose is also extremely important when you are working with a team to meet an objective. When all team members understand what the goals are and how they will create something useful for themselves and others, they will work diligently to create the desired outcome.
Length –
“The amount of time occupied by something”. How long will it take to achieve my objective? What will it cost me? How will I track the progress? For length I like to create a time and cost schedule. You must first break down your goals and objectives into tasks. Then determine the time it will take to complete each task and create milestones or checkpoints to verify you are on schedule and on budget to meet your desired outcome. Creating milestones or checkpoints will allow you to either celebrate you are on track or realize you need to make corrections to get back on track.
Action –
“The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.” If you are going to achieve anything in life you have to move from the planning phase into the action phase. Thomas Edison said, “Vision without execution is hallucination”. The best made plans that are not acted upon are just wasted time. Don’t let the desire to be perfect give you analysis paralysis. The only way to prove something will work is to give it a try. Get your ideas going through action, begin to tackle the tasks that you created in the scheduling process. Marking off task complete will give you forward momentum. In my workshops I like to use bricks as an example of how small things connected together become greater things. One brick alone is a paperweight, many bricks joined together by mortar. can become a building.
Negotiate –
“Find a way over or through (an obstacle or difficult path)” Achieving goals takes an iterative approach and must be adapted to navigate changing circumstances or unidentified obstacles. You can’t give up on your goals because of difficult circumstances or challenging obstacles you must persevere to achieve the goals. Life happens and sometimes life is hard, that doesn’t mean we lose site of the vision or abandon the mission. We must negotiate with ourselves and circle back through the planning process to make the necessary adjustments to obtain the prize.
About Brian –
Brian Brogen is a Coach, Trainer and Speaker with an emphasis on communication and team building. As a certified human behavior expert, Brian has a knack for developing teams and individuals both personally and professionally. Brian works with organizations and individuals, coaching and training using his experience, knowledge, tenacity, and sense of humor. Brian is the best-selling author of The 100-Hour Pilot. Brian enjoys flying with friends and family as a hobby.
Signature Speaking and Workshop Topics
Executing Excellence with a P.L.A.N.
Hear and Be Heard
The Benefits of Mentorship