Develop the plan, work the plan, then ditch the plan (if you have to)

Like most public relations professionals, I am a planner. In PR, planning is the foundation for everything we do. It helps us think strategically, anticipate roadblocks and develop smart tactics for our clients.

That’s great for PR. The problem is I can’t seem to turn it off in my personal life. I like to think that a plan can help me anticipate life’s twists and turns as well. The summers of 2009 and 2010 have taught me a valuable lesson that also translates into our business – a plan is a great tool but flexibility is key to the best outcome.

Last summer at my house was labeled “The Craptastic Summer of 2009,” which started when my 5-year-old little girl was hit by a car while playing in our neighborhood. She spent most of the summer recovering emotionally and physically, and when she was better, she went to acting camp. There, she shared hats with other children (costumes, of course) and developed a wicked case of head lice that she spread to her sister. We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

So, my family looked forward to this summer with great excitement. I, of course, decided we needed a plan. My oldest daughter and I made a list of all the fun things we wanted to do while the weather was warm – swim, play in the fountains, see a movie in the park, have a sleepover, go camping, etc. There. We had a plan. What could go wrong? Well, in a timeframe of about three weeks, my grandpa passed away unexpectedly and then so did our 10-year-old puppy.

We were sent in a tailspin once again. But this year is different. Our life’s downs will not overshadow the ups. After two summers of unexpected sadness and frustration, I have learned a very important lesson in flexibility. A plan does not equal control over situations. It is a roadmap with twists and turns, and it needs constant adjustment to fit changing needs. This week, we are taking some time to mourn our family dog, but next week, it’s back to swimming and ice cream and making great summer memories.

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I am a planner. In PR, planning is the foundation for everything we do. It helps us think strategically, anticipate roadblocks and develop smart tactics for our clients.

Posted by online dating sites  on  01/10  at  06:24 AM

We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

Posted by develop  on  01/19  at  05:30 AM

We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen

Posted by Poker sites for us players  on  01/24  at  01:47 AM

There, she shared hats with other children (costumes, of course) and developed a wicked case of head lice that she spread to her sister. We spent the last part of the summer getting rid of it. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

Posted by Web Design  on  01/28  at  12:57 AM

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