The Second Rule of Planning

The second golden rule of planning is to, “make sure the design of the planning is one that will get you a good result. I am not a believer of leadership teams locking themselves in a room at a resort for two to three days. This type of planning may be sprinkled with some golfing, gambling or other type of “fun” stuff. From this design, a strategic plan is supposedly born and created.

The problem with this design is that it curtails critical thinking. This process begins to smell of “plan in binder” syndrome. Poke me in the eye with a hot stick. If you do all your planning during one session you risk just doing more of what you are doing in the present. There is no opportunity for research or involving others within the organization who are not at the planning session.

Here is what to do. The process should take place over two to three months and take three to four days. It is predicated on white papers and dialogue. Listening and understanding are critical. Better research ensures better debate and thinking. “What is a white paper?” you ask hysterically. “Hang tough,” I say. That is covered in rule five.

For more information about CMI's planning process visit our website: www.cmiteamwork.com