Questions and Answers

Questions & Answers

Why plan in a world that is highly uncertain?

There is sometimes the feeling that forward planning is futile because it will be overwhelmed by unanticipated events and developments. Uncertainty is, indeed, a major problem in forward planning. However, to conclude that the best way to deal with the problem is to not plan is an ostrich-like response. To the contrary, the greater the uncertainty, the greater the need for good strategic planning.

We want to plan, but can't we do it next year?

There may be valid reasons for delaying the initiation of strategic planning, but you should be very cautious about doing so. First and foremost, all too frequently our clients have discovered things during the initial planning cycle that would have probably remained undiscovered in the absence of the planning process and which would have caused greater damage in that event. Second, the world is not going to stop and wait for you. Windows of opportunity open and close. Third, delay can become continual. No company is ever going to be fully ready for strategic planning, and ''better'' planning next year is seldom really ''better''.

For more, click here for a free subscription to Course and Direction.