Actually, the Army taught me everything I know about planning.

1. The plan works until the first bullet flies

Then you have to salvage the most essential parts if you can and start thinking on your feet. It’s easy to stick to a plan until the first major hiccup, the real test is how well a leader copes when everything inevitably falls apart. It’s the same in the professional world - your perfect game plan is a best case scenario, not the be-all and end-all.

Lesson: Always have several back ups and be equipped to handle the worst because the day you don’t prepare for it will be the day the worst happens. Private Murphy’s Law - the only Law I live day to day.

2. Ask for more Resources because you never know…

You can’t always have a hot meal catered out, you can’t always get an airstrike to pave the way… but it doesn’t hurt to ask, does it? The worst that happens is that your highers (superiors) say “no”. The best thing that could happen is that you have something in your arsenal that you wouldn’t have if you were too chicken to ask.

Lesson: It’s better to be told “no” than to lose out on an opportunity.

3. I’ve got your back if you’ve got mine

Trust. It’s necessary in all walks of life. No one follows you if you can’t keep it. No one wants your business if you’ve got a reputation for being untrustworthy.

Lesson: As much as cut-throat ambition can be admired, nothing ever beats putting people first. Looking out for your best interest is one thing, but screwing people over is bad Karma. It will always point right back at you: people hold grudges, reputations can last a really long time.

4. Know your Mission Essential Task List (METL)

No man is an island. Even the self-employed have to work for someone, even if it’s a consumer. Find out what the company needs from you and prioritize. What is your responsibility and make sure that you always deliver, if not, you force others to pick up your slack and you won’t float very long.

Lesson: Prioritize. Know what’s important, and what’s fluff and a lot your time to what your most essential tasks. You can’t go above and beyond unless you are able to meet the standard.

5. Morale is everything

The difference between success and failure can hinge on something as simple as morale or esprit de corps. The bottom line is that people can set you up for success and failure. Other people’s opinions matter! You cannot go through life telling people to do what you want them to becuase you said so, and you can’t walk around being hated by everyone (unless you’re a hermit). Likewise, no one likes a downer or a nay-sayer. Attitude is contagious, if you have a good one, others do too.

Lesson: Optimism counts.

© Kat Argonza for Kat Argonza, 2009.