25 FEBRUARY 2019
LEADERSHIP & PLANNING
Having taken stock of clarity of vision, rightfully counting the cost in terms of one’s potential for vision, the next principle to be adhered to in the attainment of vision is to develop a concrete plan for the implementation of the vision. This is the third principle in Dr. Myles Munroe’s list below which corresponds to the Dr. Abu Bako’s 5th Fundamental Question to be asked, ‘How do I get there’. In classical management thought and practice, Henri Fayol was the first to identify the specific managerial function comprising five elements (the elements of management). Note that in first place is planning.
- planning (prévoyance)
- organization (organisation)
- command (commandement)
- coordination (coordination)
- control (contrôle)
PLANS & PLANNING
The Webster 1828 dictionary defines a plan as follows:
A scheme devised; a project; the form of something to be done existing in the mind, with the several parts adjusted in idea, expressed in words or committed to writing; as the plan of a constitution of government; the plan of a treaty; the plan of an expedition.
To scheme; to devise; to form in design; as, to plan the conquest of a country; to plan a reduction of taxes or of the national debt.
Schemes are plans. That is why a plan of a building can be described as a schematic. The schemes of the mind are all plans and if they are to succeed must be submitted to God and His ways or inspired by Him.
1 Chronicles 28:12 (AMPC) And the plan of all that he had in mind [by the Spirit] for the courts of the house of the Lord, all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of the house of God, and the treasuries for the dedicated gifts;
Planning is the preserve of man—not God. But when committed to God, He will enable them succeed. Dr. Myles Munroe puts it like this “God Gives the Vision, and We Make the Plans” and this position is supported by scripture:
Proverbs 16:1 (AMPC) THE PLANS of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.
Proverbs 16:9 (AMPC) A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. [Psa 37:23; Pro 20:24; Jer 10:23]
The place of planning in the fulfilment of vision cannot be understated. To forecast and plan accurately one must examine the future and draw up the plan of action. This is what we discussed in previous weeks—counting the cost of what it will take to accomplish your vision as a transformational leader.
Nations rise and fall depending on the quality of plans and the quality of implementation. Egypt rose to prominence and became a superpower because Joseph had a great plan inspired by God.
Genesis 41:37 (AMPC) And the plan seemed good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants.
A good plan is established by counsel. Joseph’s plan was established by the dream God gave Pharaoh. That dream contained the council and counsel of God.
Proverbs 20:18 (AMPC) Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and [only] with good advice make or carry on war.
God himself is a planner. Men can learn from Him.
Jeremiah 29:11 (AMPC) For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
The lives we live today have all been planned out by God before we were born. The most successful person is one who lives according to the plan or blueprint of God for their lives. Living according to the divine plan for our lives leads to welfare and peace. It is thus important that whatever plan men have fit into the greater plan of God for their lives. Many times, it is easy to follow fads or copy what others are doing directly or tweaking it a bit. That is problematic. None of us have the same fingerprints. We are all unique. It is important to locate our uniqueness. Only in God can we locate our uniqueness and the contribution we are supposed to make to our world. Again, the place of planning is very important. But our plans must fit into God’s plans for our lives.
Characteristics of a good plan include but is not limited to:
- clear and easy to comprehend
- expresses a compelling vision
- expresses aspirations and hope that the vision is attainable
- based on the objectives that have been clearly defined
- presents essential data where needed
- Economical
- fair, just and equitable and attempts to balance competing interests
- precision (attempting to accurately predict courses of action)
- must have Key Performance Indicators
The following famous quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. It reads, “If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail”. If you have a vision, make sure it falls within the purview of God’s plan for your life. Plan its execution and depend on God for inspiration of the process. Depend on him for assistance with execution and he will establish that vision.
