We live in a world of rapid change and instant gratification. From Amazon’s next-day delivery to social media platforms that reward immediate responses, our society has become conditioned to expect results now. In this environment, planning can feel like an outdated luxury, a relic of a slower-paced past. But, as the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Now more than ever, taking the time to plan is critical for success—whether building a house, saving the world or designing an organization’s operating model.
Einstein’s Wisdom on Planning
Albert Einstein once said, “If I had 60 minutes to save the world, I would spend 55 minutes planning and 5 minutes doing.” This simple yet profound statement underscores the value of preparation. When we rush into action without understanding the problem or crafting a thoughtful approach, we’re far more likely to make mistakes, waste resources or create unintended consequences. Planning is not a delay; it’s an investment in efficiency and effectiveness.
The 24-Hour House vs. One Year of Planning
Consider the example of modern construction. Thanks to advancements in technology, it’s now possible to build an entire house in just 24 hours. However, the planning process—designing blueprints, obtaining permits, sourcing materials and coordinating labor—can take a year or more. The speed of construction is only possible because of meticulous preparation. Without it, the rapid build would result in a chaotic and unsafe structure.
Go Slow to Go Fast
The philosophy of “go slow to go fast” highlights the paradox of preparation. By taking the time to plan thoroughly, you can avoid costly rework and delays down the line. This principle is particularly relevant when designing an organization’s operating model. Too often, leaders rush into restructuring initiatives or new processes without a clear vision of the desired outcome. They want rapid results but don’t invest the effort up front to make the transition smooth.
For example, when integrating two companies after a merger, the temptation might be to quickly align operations and consolidate systems. However, without a thoughtful design of the combined organization’s operating model—including roles, decision-making structures and workflows—the implementation will likely falter. By taking time to define success and creating a careful plan, leaders can achieve better results.
Planning as a Competitive Advantage
In a “we-want-it-now” world, planning is a competitive advantage. It allows organizations to:
- Make better decisions: A well-thought-out plan provides clarity and aligns teams around shared goals.
- Avoid costly mistakes: Planning identifies potential risks and pitfalls, allowing you to mitigate them before they become issues.
- Adapt to change: A strong plan includes contingencies, making it easier to pivot when circumstances shift.
- Maximize resources: Planning ensures that time, money and effort are focused on the highest priorities.
How to Plan Effectively
Effective planning doesn’t have to be a lengthy or cumbersome process. Here are a few tips to make it impactful:
- Start with the end in mind: Be clear about your goals and desired outcomes.
- Engage stakeholders early: Involve key people in the planning process to build alignment and buy-in.
- Break it down: Divide the plan into manageable steps and set realistic timelines.
- Anticipate obstacles: Identify potential challenges and develop strategies to address them.
- Monitor and adjust: Treat your plan as a living document that can evolve as new information emerges.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, planning is often seen as a hindrance to action. However, as Einstein’s wisdom and countless real-world examples show, planning is the key to achieving success. Whether building a house, saving the world or designing an organization’s operating model, taking the time to plan thoroughly enables you to execute swiftly and confidently. In the end, the paradox holds true: by going slow, you can go fast.
