Stop! Before You Proceed, Take the Time to Organize, Plan and Prepare

Some people say that it's human nature that no matter what our profession, when we get a project that we're excited to be a part of, we get so energized that we want to get started on it immediately. We know we should follow a well laid out strategy, but we're so anxious and confident that we take some short-cuts, and assume we’re ready for whatever may come our way. We end up overlooking some important initial steps and go full speed ahead.

Think about it for a minute with these very simple examples. When you received a handout of a presentation in a recent meeting, didn’t you skip to the middle of the document soon after you received it? When was the last time you read the first page of instructions you were given for an app, the corporate software, or your new mobile device? Or, how often are you so enthusiastic to tell your manager, your customer, or a coworker some information, you totally forget to give the background details? 

The importance of being organized, establishing a plan, and being thoroughly prepared before moving on to the next steps, cannot be stressed enough. I think those three factors are what can separate the average worker from the exceptional one.

This is true whether you are in marketing, project management, IT, finance, sales or any profession for that matter. In my prior job in the corporate world I would constantly preach about the necessity for thorough planning and preparation along with a well-organized strategy. Now, in my work as a career and executive coach it has reinforced to me again the importance of those skills. Working with clients I stress you need to have a careful, well thought-out method if you’re looking for a new job, want to grow in your current one, or enhance your business skills.

It can be a bit frustrating to not rush right into starting that new project, make that presentation, or apply for that job, but stepping back to ensure you're fully prepared, is essential.

Organization: Think of your job as though you're managing your own small business. You need to be focused, have your tasks prioritized, your thinking not cluttered with distractions, and everything running smoothly and efficiently.

Being organized is a life saver to help improve time management and is a key factor to help reduce stress or the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Planning: What are first three things you’re going to be doing Monday morning to move forward the project you’re working on? Do you have the critical elements in place for the marketing strategy, the IT software implementation, or the finance training program? Is your cover letter and resume proofread more than once?

You may know exactly what those next steps will be, but reviewing and double-checking them can reassure you and close any potential gaps or spot errors in your plans.

Preparation: Proper preparation for everything from account coverage, management presentations, and to staff meetings requires that you’ve taken the time to ensure that you’re at your most professional level. Are your materials developed the way they should be? Is your strategy well thought-out and designed? Have you given yourself time to anticipate any potential interview questions?

Taking that time to be extra prepared makes you more confident, ready for any potential obstacles, and more professional.

I have a number of courses available on LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com and in one of them I discuss the importance of organizing, planning, and preparation. Sales Pipeline Management is aimed for those in sales, but I think the lesson applies to all of us in business about the importance of this subject. In fact, one of the examples I use is of a chef getting ready to cook and how they go about it. As you watch this short video, think of your job and how my message applies to you.

What is your view on the importance of mastering the skills of organizing, planning and preparation? How does this impact you in your line of work? Do you agree with me? Let me and other readers know in the comments section below.

I invite you to read my other articles here on LinkedIn and also please follow me if you want to read future ones that I post. 

Thank you so much.

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Dean Karrel is a career and executive coach and LinkedIn Learning author. Dean has worked in sales management and leadership positions for a number of major global publishing companies. 

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