Plan Ahead: Navigating Successful Change

Introduction

• The concept of "Plan Ahead" was developed at age 27 as a strategy for successful change.
• Emphasizes understanding the need for change and strategizing effectively.

Key Elements of "Plan Ahead"

Predetermine the Change

• Identify the change needed in life/work.
• Change should be meaningful and impactful.
• Leaders should ask questions to identify issues (e.g., Lou Holtz's approach to team improvement).

Lay Out Your Steps

• Walk close to people during change to lead effectively.
• Conduct the "Leadership Dance":
  • Walk ahead as an example.
  • Walk beside for participation.
  • Walk behind to empower.

Adjust Your Priorities

• Be flexible and open to adapting plans (Plan B, C, etc.).
• Critical changes are preferred over cosmetic ones.
• Trust is essential in leading change.

Notify Key Personnel

• Communicate with influencers and implementers.
• Gain approval and participation for successful execution.

Allow Time for Acceptance

• Give people time to accept change.
• Clear communication is key.
• Intuition and timing are critical for leadership.

Head Into Action

• Expect problems as motion causes friction.
• Prepare for and address potential issues early on.

Daily Review and Adjust

• Review progress and make necessary adjustments daily.
• Recognize the "law of buy-in": people buy into the leader before the vision.

Leadership in Change

Leaders and Change

• Leaders are essential for guiding through difficult times.
• U-turn Leadership: Ability to turn an organization around.

Comments on Change

• Few people like change; it is often uncomfortable.
• Change requires energy and can be driven by positive or negative forces.

When People Change

• People change when they hurt enough, see enough, learn enough, or receive enough.

Facing Reality

• Divine reality as a foundation for change and growth.
• Use a "scoreboard" approach for adjustments.

Positive Life Stance

• Attitude is crucial during adversity.
• Five key statements for a positive life stance:
  1. Life is filled with good and bad.
  2. Some good/bad are uncontrollable.
  3. Good/bad will find you.
  4. Positive life stance improves outcomes.
  5. Negative life stance worsens outcomes.

Being Teachable and Learning

• Humility is essential for being teachable.
• Keep failure and success together for balanced learning.

Action and Influence

• Importance of making good decisions and practicing daily disciplines.
• Consistency and mastering change contribute to leadership effectiveness.

Conclusion

• Leaders help others through successful change.
• Change is an opportunity for growth and improvement.