Planning vs. Executing
28 Mar
When it comes to getting projects done and making progress at work there are two main components – planning and execution. At big corporations these two functions are almost entirely separated. The corporate brass in the C-Suite are the ones that set the targets for the year, and provide some direction on how to get there. The organizational structure allows for the Vice Presidents and Directors to spend their time planning and seeking out new opportunities without having to roll their sleeves up and do the work that it takes to get there. Everyone underneath them is charged with completing the set of tasks that are handed down.
Now, the corporate workers don’t have to worry about responsibility for these plans. They are simply responsible for their piece of the plan handed down by their boss. They’re likely a specialist in the piece of the plan that they’re responsible for so it’s simply a matter of executing on the tasks that they know how to do.
This is the system that makes corporations effective, and it also makes indivdual jobs fairly easy. Managers plan and make sure their workers are getting things done, and workers simple complete the tasks that are handed down to them.
Now, what’s difficult to do is to create your own plan and follow through on all the necessary tasks to get it done. It’s even harder when the project doesn’t directly affect your well-being or something that you absolutely have to get done. It’s really hard to take the initiative to plan for exactly what you want, and then have the ability to follow through on everything it takes to get there. By no means should you try to do every single task yourself because there are some things that can be done much better by a specialist. For example, if you’re starting your own law practice it’s probably not a good idea to build your own website (unless you’re a web designer by hobby) because it’s not something you can do well. However, it’s probably not effective to outsource everything because if that’s the case, what value are you actually providing. Think about legendary entrepreneurs like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. Sure they were great leaders, but they also got their hands dirty on the software code (in Gates’ case) and the physical manufacturing of their products (in Jobs’ case). Gates and Jobs built great companies because they had the rare ability to plan and execute flawlessly at the same time.
On a personal level I don’t think I’ve mastered the ability to plan and execute well at the same time. I’m pretty effective when it comes to planning out everything I need to do to achieve my goals. I’m also very good at completing any tasks that I’m responsible for at work or that I absolutely need to get done. Where’s its difficult to execute is on the plans tasks that I’ve set for myself that are without any tangible consequences. I’ll be working to improve on this, and I’m open to any suggestions on how to make that happen.
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