Planners vs. Doers

Often, everything from project plans to business development plans to career plans don't always work as intended.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

To understand why, it is important to understand the psychological concepts of ego depletion and decision fatigue.

Quote: We are superior planners but become inferior doers as our environment exerts its influence through the course of our day. Marshall Goldsmith.

Many of us would simply prefer to “Get to Work” and start doing things, but we intellectually know that it’s important to create a plan so we can prioritize then execute most effectively. 

Most things that come in “Off-Plan” are due to failures in disciplined execution rather than bad plans or lack of capabilities. 

  • Focus heavily on the routine processes that will help you achieve your plan.  
  • Create regular habits and routines that keep you and your team on-track. 
  • Build motivation through disciplined execution.

Marshall Goldsmith does a great job discussing these in his book Triggers, including 6 Daily Questions we should all ask ourselves.




Work Observations and Time Studies (Basic Overview)
Work observations and time studies are related but distinctly different. Both are incredibly powerful tools for management, process improvement, and talent development. Starter resources and use cases below.
Cash Flow and the 5Cs of Credit - Capital
The 2nd of the 5Cs of Credit is how much capital you are putting at risk, along with your financial partner. Contractors should design and follow their own capital management policies appropriate for their business.
4 Different Strategic Planning Objectives
Before moving into a strategy or planning session, understand which of the four broad objectives you are working to accomplish knowing they may be different for different parts of the company.