“Why are you wasting time planning? Just do the work!”
Sound familiar? If so, I’m sorry. 💔 I’ve heard it, too.
Sure, PMs can geek out and over-plan once in a while, but that’s not usually the situation. This question is often asked by people who aren’t PMs. They feel the pressure to deliver but don’t understand the importance of the first phase of a healthy project—planning.
The planning phase is one of the most critical moments of any new project. (The kick-off meeting is another!) Unhealthy projects often rush through this stage and miss out on time to grow trust and gain clarity.
Collaborative Planning
Planning requires drawing on the perspectives of team members who bring context and skills the PM doesn’t have but definitely needs. During this process, the team identifies risks, thinks through operational realities, and brings innovative ideas to the table.
When you include team members and stakeholders in the planning process, you come away with a more well-rounded and adaptable plan, and the team will be aligned on:
A solid planning phase—like the foundation of a building—is the critical element that sets a healthy project up for success.
Happy planning!
On the journey with you,
