Trash Your Plan B

A number of years ago a good friend of mine held an amazing position and better yet he was amazing in that role. The people he led loved working for him and those who he reported to knew they had the best. All was very good. So, what is the problem with this situation? The problem was that many other organizations knew of his performance and were looking for a leader just like him. A great offer was given to him, and he accepted it. This is where I enter the scene.

After my friend accepted the offer, we were discussing his new role and as it was a new position not yet established and the organization had minimal experience with this new venture. I asked him “are you taking a leave of absence from your current position,” as I knew the board he reported to would have gladly left the door open for him to return. His reply was simple and direct, “no’ to the leave request. So, me being the cautious one wanting to make sure my friend was protected asked “why?” The answer again was simple and direct, “if you have an escape route far too often you will be looking to escape and that is not fair to yourself or your employer.”

The one statement about an escape route, a Plan B, was an eye opener for me. As I mulled over what I was just told I came up with two points to ponder. One, how often had I set up a Plan B or escape route which affected my performance? Second, did I give my best or only what I had to know not showing them what they thought they were hiring?

After thinking over my thought that a Plan B is good to have, I have re-thought my Plan B views where giving my Plan A full effort and consideration and when it is not moving as expected, I will re-look at Plan A, flex and pivot where needed knowing that when Plan A was originally considered there was a powerful reason it became the focus.

There is usually a great reason you developed a Plan A, a passion, a desire, a great idea that set you on a course to change the future. Plan B is usually a back up, requiring less effort, an escape route to a less significant conclusion. With your Plan A remember with any part that does not go as expected there is a chance of testing your plan, becoming better, and then re-establishing Plan A with the lessons learned and only by ‘trashing’ your Plan B will Plan A have the full attention needed to go from success to significance.     

Sterling Martin