Why there should never be a ‘Plan B’

What is Plan B anyway? Was Plan A so far off the mark that we need a whole new plan?

Even if you have two possible paths to take that lead you down two very different routes and different results, does that require two plans?

If you’re the leader of a country that’s at war and things aren’t going well for your side, you may find yourself at a junction where one path is to surrender and the other to keep fighting. These paths don’t necessarily require two plans.

The vision and overriding goal of the leader is to do the best for his or her people and country…that is one plan. The best plans will have identified the risks, and hurdles and mitigated for them. In this case, the risk that the war didn’t go this leader’s way should have been recognised and a plan of action (a sub-plan) in place should that unfortunate turn of events occur. In this case, the leader would know whether to fight on or surrender because at this juncture the strategy plan and his strategic skills should show which path is best for his people and country which is still the overriding goal of this plan.

Our government doesn’t need a ‘Plan B’ it needs to have a ‘Plan A’ that is flexible, that has the possible routes mapped out and that can adapt to the situation. Going for growth isn’t ‘Plan B’; it should be in place as a desirable option and ‘Plan A’ adapted if necessary. After all, the overriding aim of the government, hasn’t changed has it?

In your business, have one strategy plan, adapt it if necessary and make it work. Don’t scrap it and start a new one. This will undermine confidence and imply wasted effort and cost. If your vision hasn’t changed then simply adapt the plan you have and make the right course corrections.

If you need help adapting your strategy plans to keep your business on course then do contact me to see if I can help.