Planning is not a Space Expedition

In Space no one can hear you plan

by Jak Carroll, Strategic Sport Solutions

Many organisations see the planning process as similar to a space expedition – you send the planning team members off into unknown territory (a planning retreat) and they magically return with new discoveries (a completed plan).

Often, little thought is given to creating a process that allows for the development, deliberation and testing of relevant ideas.

I consider the planning process for organisations analogous to the process for building a house. It’s something that needs to be done in careful stages in order to get the best results.

Stage 1: You need to outline general principles and non-negotiables of the design and come up with a basic concept. Importantly, you need to understand your current position in terms of available resources and any issues that might affect your plans. This is what should be done at a planning retreat.

Stage 2: You then need to draw up some detailed blueprints of the design to see if what you are proposing is realistic. You need to include details of budgets, the construction team and basically test the feasibility of what is being proposed.

Stage 3: Once you have some proper blueprints, you need to get planning approval for the design, the schedule and the budget. This is where the Board gives the go-ahead for the plan to proceed.

Stage 4: Finally, you can start construction, being mindful to regularly monitor how the construction team are progressing so that you can keep the project on track and adapt to changed circumstances.

Many organisations simply want to jump from stage one to stage four without taking the time to seriously detail and test what is being proposed. Good planning does not happen by accident, it is the result of employing a deliberate process that guides all those involved.

Does your organisation need some help with planning or governance? Jak Carroll has extensive experience in the sport industry including consulting to organisations and conducting training sessions. If you are interested in some quick advice or having Jak work with you on your next project, please click here.