When a Plan Fails
Planning is key in project management and goal setting, not only in the business world, but in all aspects of our lives. We work hard and stay on track to reach our goals and complete our projects and it pays off when we are rewarded for a job well done and a goal reached. But what happens when a plan fails? It happens, despite all your hard work, sometimes a plan just doesn’t get you to where you need to be. Today’s blog is here to remind you that it’s ok and help you regroup and move forward.
Being midway through January, we have all (or most of us) made resolutions to be better, or set business goals to reach in 2016. Now is the time that most of us are in that planning mindset. Let us channel that energy and drive we had on January 1st and focus on what to do if Plan A doesn’t pan out. Here’s what you can do to shake it off and move on to Plan B:
- Take a Deep Breath: Seems a bit basic, right? The reality is when a plan fails, it can be extremely frustrating. It’s only natural to be frustrated and even angry or depressed, but we need to work through those feelings in order move forward. Take a step back and take a deep breath. Even separate yourself from the project for a bit. We need to have clear minds that aren’t focused on the frustration and instead focused on retooling the plan to meet the end goal.
- Go Back and Review: Now that you’ve cooled off, go back through your plan through each of the items and tasks that were to take you to your end goal. What items seemed to be the most difficult to complete? Perhaps there were communication issues? Or maybe timelines on certain tasks were too short, or even too long? Sit down with the original plan and really spend time looking at the roadblocks you faced along the way.
- Look at Resources: After you’ve done your review, you may want to see if you have enough resources on the project. If some of the items could have been outsourced, then look at outsourcing them for Plan B. Some of the more administrative tasks could be taken on by your trusty virtual assistant…ahem.
- Communicate: Once you have gone through the original plan and pinned down what worked and what didn’t, meet with the team that were involved with the project to discuss these roadblocks. Not only is it important for all parties involved to know what didn’t work, it’s important to get feedback from them on their roadblocks as well. Lack of communication could potentially result in a failed Plan B, and with everyone involved in t
his discussion, it will be easier to plan for what will work in Plan B.
- Move Forward with Plan B: Now that everyone has addressed the issues with Plan A, move forward to Plan B. Maybe there hasn’t been a plan set up yet, or maybe there was already a Plan B in place. Either way, apply all that you and the team have learned from your discussions make sure you avoid those mistakes during Plan B.
Now, we all want your Plan B to work, of course. Plan A working would have been even better, but armed with these tools to regroup and move on, we can prevent delays due to lingering frustrations or even worse, giving up. Keep moving forward with your goals and use these tools like shampoo, lets say. Later, rinse, repeat, as needed! You will get there, and your business will get there too.
For more information on how we can help you with planning and meeting your business goals, click here and contact us today!