Dear Bill: Planning would help our situation. I work in a manufacturing company with heavy challenges periodically and when that happens, stress peaks. This creates frustration for everyone and tempers are short, causing people to be impatient with each other. If this happened once in awhile it would be fine, but we are busier. I think lack of planning is starting to erode relationships and some people have already quit. Thanks Tired.
Dear Tired: You're right when you suggest that lack of planning causes all kinds of problems. Planning helps with all challenges not just at work. An example would be planning a holiday. Think about the details that normally must be addressed in order to have a, no hassle holiday. I know the advantages of planning, but to be honest, do not always follow a proper process. My thoughts are as follows:
If you've ever gone canoeing, which I've done in northern Saskatchewan then you realize the importance of planning. The details were incredible, food, equipment, first-aid supplies etc.-the list continued. Without detailed planning you could be "up the creek with no paddle". The same is true in both our personal and work lives. Good planning prevents you from allowing those inevitable surprises to derail whatever it is you're doing. Poor or no planning causes you to work inefficiently, even fail and, in your case can erode relationships. We all basically know this, but many people still neglect to plan. Why?
People Don't Plan
You don't have to be in leadership or in a situation very long to realize planning may help. Here are four reasons people neglect planning. Some or all of them will fit your situation and then present them at work (careful).
1) They don't possess planning skills or knowledge. Some people have never been taught to prioritize their day or prepare for tomorrow. In your case perhaps a consultant or someone from outside your company could facilitate a planning session. This gets everyone involved, all on the same page, and it's amazing what staff can create under this type of environment - like efficiencies.
2) They believe they don't have the time. Some get bogged down in details. As a consequence, they end up buried, frustrated and can't pull their heads above water long enough to plan. If canoeing, this maybe too late.
3) They perceive planning as a hassle. Many people view planning as a nuisance, unnecessary and a waste of time.
4) Many don't plan because the outcome can vary. They may say, "when I do plan, it normally doesn't happen, so why bother". Plans can change, but at least you have something to change, which would reduce, "knee jerk reactions". These excuses for not planning don't hold much water (speaking of water).
Why Planning is EssentialPlanning bridges the gap between our desires, goals and dreams by calling us into action. I've read that, no plan is worth the paper it's printed on unless it starts you doing something. A plan provides us with tangible steps to take and a sense of direction.
This helps to make staff feel appreciated and organized sharing a common purpose. The same applies in our personal lives as planning is a form of discipline moving us in a direction.
Thanks for the comment. As mentioned previously, concrete planning, at certain times of my life would have created better results.
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