Always have a Plan B.
I had a mentor who once wisely advised me to never walk into a negotiation or make a decision without considering all the possible outcomes. This knowledge has served me well on countless occasions. I tend to be an optimist who gets caught up in the upside of any given situation. I see potential for a positive outcome everywhere I look. I need to remind myself that not everyone is interested in a win-win outcome or sees things the way I do. Often, people want to protect what they have or defend the status quo rather than embrace something new or different.
Things rarely work out exactly as planned. We often attempt something with the best of intentions, only to run smack into a less accommodating reality. In decision-making and negotiation situations, it is advisable to have a “Plan B” that allows you to adjust to shifting circumstances or differing points of view. You need to be able to prioritize your objectives and identify areas where you have some room for improvement. It’s critical to build flexibility into your response strategy.
Most professional interactions are transactional in nature. There is an exchange of value between two or more parties, which, under ideal circumstances, benefits all concerned proportionate to their initial investment. However, we don’t live or work in an “ideal” environment. There are usually variables beyond our capacity to control. We can predict what may or may not happen with varying degrees of accuracy. Nevertheless, life is full of surprises and disappointments.
I am a strong advocate for “If, then…” scenario thinking. Using the framework allows you to examine every situation from multiple angles, determine all possible outcomes, and estimate the potential results of triggering specific events or decisions. Once you’ve exhausted the possible scenarios, map out how you would respond to each eventuality. If you do your homework and plan properly, you increase the probability of successfully negotiating whatever happens.
In your life and work, always have a Plan B and never put all your eggs in one basket.
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- There’s Always a Plan B (businessinsider.com)
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- Need to move soon? Don’t trust your emotions (eurekalert.org)
- What Is Personal Leadership? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
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