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Will Your Plan Survive a Punch in the Face?

Trigger Question #79

It was hot. And humid. Hot we knew; humid was new. Also new was driving on the wrong side of the road. The kids in the back seat were tots, restless tots. We were running late for a show in a faraway city. Luckily, we had detailed printed directions. What could go wrong?

I'll tell you what could. Road work. Confusing detours. Rush hour traffic. Big, boasting billboards and chaotic advertising signs flashing for my attention.

Normally, detailed directions are good enough. Even in a foreign country. But if you, an alien like me, come across unmapped detours, unexpected obstacles, and strange road customs, what then?

I'll tell you what then. When you seek security in detailed plans and specific directions, then every obstacle will frustrate you and every detour will intimidate you as you lose your way.

Or, as Mike Tyson explains it, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

Sometimes, in life and in business, setting a compass bearing can be more effective than relying on detailed plans, instructions, and directions. A compass bearing might not bring you to your exact, wished-for destination. But every slight deviation and forced detour won’t stump you. Because you simply aim, as best you can, in the direction your compass suggests and weave as needed.

Keep in mind the gap between a compass and a GPS. When barriers and obstacles force you into an unexpected detour, your GPS will waffle about ‘recalculating route.’ Your compass will stay steady, even as you meander about. No recalculation need.

All that is needed is that you keep your aim on your compass bearing. And when you get close enough to your planned destination, you home in on that red pin on the map that marks your journey’s end.

At work, here's how to dodge the punch to the face. Treat your (business) plan as a journey. Dump your detailed (strategic) plan and set a (vision) compass bearing. Next, develop flexible, short-term action steps that get you closer and closer. That’s how to recalculating route, effectively.

Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.

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I boost careers by helping people deal with the nonsense of pleasing a boss, playing nice with colleagues, making subordinates productive, and living a life. Read more​

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