Be Prepared To Adapt How You Get Things Done

by Eric Lopkin

In the military, there is a concept known as the commander’s intent. The commander’s intent succinctly describes what constitutes success for the operation. It includes the operation’s purpose and the conditions that define the end state. The purpose of this is another military concept that says no plan survives contact with the enemy. It is understood that the details of an operation may have to change once it is underway. The important factor is what needs to be achieved.

Your business is the same way. The best laid plans may go astray once they have to contend with real world conditions. When creating a process, you must clearly define what you are trying to achieve. Then be prepared to change the way you get there as conditions warrant. Getting stuck in “the way things have always been done” causes many businesses to close their doors. Focus on what your intent is but rather than blindly sticking to a process, keep an open mind and look for simpler, faster, or more proftiable ways of accomplishing your goal.