Plan B

When you are responsible for devising a plan with specific goals in mind, you are wise to consider multiple options before identifying your preferred approach, or your "Plan A".  And when you have a Plan A, you should always also have a fully-developed Plan B.

Plan B is an alternate approach to achieving your target goals.  Why is Plan B so important?  Because variables beyond your control may make your cherished Plan A suddenly impossible, undesirable, or impractical.  Plan B is a form of risk management.  Your ability to apply proactive analysis in a way that supports flexibility and responsiveness will promote confidence and respect among your stakeholders. When you run into a roadblock, Plan B allows you to take another route, without skipping a beat.

Plan B should evolve organically, as a result of having an open mind and accepting ideas and input from your team, colleagues, mentors, stakeholders, consultants, and your boss.  There is always more than one way to address a challenge - and there are usually several "best" ways.  Assess pros and cons, cost, risk, resources, scope, and projected results.  The best options will become clear.  You and your team together should determine Plan A.

Spend time on preparing a case to support your choice.  What was your thought process?  Why did you make the decisions you did?  Explain why you rejected unformed Plans C, D, and E.  You may want to reserve Plan B in your pocket, in case the decision-makers have an unexpected bad reaction to your Plan A.

This brings to mind an exchange I had with my boss some years ago.  I presented my Plan A for his review.  Upon receiving his approval, I picked up a piece of paper on which I had outlined Plan B and ripped it into small pieces.

BOSS:  What was that?
ME:  That was Plan B.
BOSS:  Why didn't I get to see that?
ME:  Because you approved Plan A.  Trust me; Plan A is a much better solution.

Have a well-conceived Plan A, backed up by a viable Plan B.  Hopefully, you will need to go no farther.