Fake Yourself out when Planning – Go Back to the Future

Gretzky: skate where the puck is going to be.

Eggertson: think in the past tense about something that hasn’t happened yet.

I try to fake myself out when I’m writing plans.

I review the research, talk to the decision-makers, get the background.

But at some point, I leave all that behind and try to pretend whatever I’m planning has already happened. I’m looking back a year later and trying to describe what’s different as a result. It’s like looking in the rear view mirror before you take a trip, and trying to see what is going to be behind you.

Once you know the desired future difference in the way people act, or the way they perceive your organization, then you can put in place some elements to create that imagined future.

Until then, you’re not really planning. You’re just moving tactics around on paper until they form a pleasing shape.

I do the same thing in my personal life. I tell myself I’ve already made a decision, and I wait to see what my guts thinks about it.

It works. Try it.

See also:

• It All Starts with the Company’s Goal
• Corporate Darth Vader Asks: Why are we doing this?

Photo by Robert Scales.

Tags: planning, strategy, thinking, communications, public relations, business, tips, techniques, research