Best Laid Plans

Robert Burns penned words that resonate in every manager’s ear: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

Outcomes may not match hopes. Competition, technological innovation, poor execution, lack of capital – all these can derail plans, however thoughtful and well-crafted. Worse, key stakeholders may simply perceive results negatively, causing them to lose faith in the plans and the planners.

When plans go awry, there is only one thing a manager cannot do: quit.

If life gives you lemons, slice them and drop the peel in your martini. Then make a new plan and move forward. Never quit.

– Kip Caffey, Cary Street Partners