When you think of planning, do you instinctively cringe and just want to be done, or do you get excited and put more effort into the planning process than you do in the execution?  Both responses are natural and somewhat dependent upon your personality type.  However, both personality types can plan for, and reach, their goals equally as well.  Planning does not need to be a daunting task, or the end state itself.  If we keep the four steps below in mind, we all can plan like a pro.

First, you have to start at the target – What is your end state?  It is important to define what the desired outcome is.  Let’s say for example that you are planning a training opportunity for your company or division.  In this case you need to know what training objectives you want your company to meet.  The details will come later, but understanding the information you want the people on your team to walk away with gives you a definable goal to work toward.

With the target defined, you next need to set a planning timeline.  In the military planning world, we call this a plan of action and milestones, or POA&M.  Building out a timeline for the completion of each task not only breaks the planning process into manageable chunks, but also provides goals with associated timelines to shoot for.  Using the example from above, you would create a timeline delineating when you would need to have the venue for the training booked, what date the speaker would need to be confirmed, and food and drink ordered, etc.

Now that the timeline is set, we need to identify and communicate with our key players. There are very few instances in which we can accomplish a project on our own.  Most of the time there are key people we need to help bring our project to completion.  In this step, we identify who the key people are, communicate the role they play in the project, and the timelines we need them to meet.   Accountability is crucial here; while there are many who are “fire and forget” doers, you still need to “trust but verify” that your milestones are being met.

Identify the obstacles in the way, and develop ways to mitigate your obstacles. Again, in the military we would call this “wargaming” or perhaps “concept of employment” and in some circles, a “rehearsal of concept.”   Regardless of the name you give this stage, the key point is to walk your way through the plan – from your desired end state to your planning timeline and due outs – and take a moment to identify any issues that may arise or prevent your plan from reaching fruition.  Once you have identified these points of friction, develop a way in which you can overcome or mitigate the obstacle.

•  For example, as we plan our company training opportunity, we note that one of the obstacles is a possible inability to connect to the internet.  A way to mitigate this point of friction would be to first, communicate clearly with the individual helping you at the location – ensure you specify your requirements.  Second, arrive the day prior to “test” connectivity, and finally, bring a back up of your materials on your desk top or a CD for use in presenting.

Whether you enjoy planning, or despise the process, don’t let it intimidate you.  The four steps listed above are easily used in any situation and venue.  As long as you start with the end in mind, have a list of actions and milestones, communicate with your key players, and identify and mitigate your obstacles, you will have the skills to plan like a pro!