Best Laid Plans
"The tactical result of an engagement forms the base for new strategic decisions because victory or defeat in a battle changes the situation to such a degree that no human acumen is able to see beyond the first battle. Therefore no plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact with the main hostile force."
This quotation, which is usually condensed to its last sentence, has been accredited to many individuals over time. The actual author of the phrase is Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, Chief of Staff of the Prussian General Staff. The point that von Moltke wanted to make is that one can never fully diagnose how to achieve a desired outcome and account for all the variables that can and will affect that desired outcome. While his philosophical statement was directed at warfare the truth of it relates to all disciplines in life. Planning is but one step in achieving what you are planning for. Your plan must be well thought out and practical and must include contingencies to manage disruptions to avoid stalling the plan.
This quotation, which is usually condensed to its last sentence, has been accredited to many individuals over time. The actual author of the phrase is Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, Chief of Staff of the Prussian General Staff. The point that von Moltke wanted to make is that one can never fully diagnose how to achieve a desired outcome and account for all the variables that can and will affect that desired outcome. While his philosophical statement was directed at warfare the truth of it relates to all disciplines in life. Planning is but one step in achieving what you are planning for. Your plan must be well thought out and practical and must include contingencies to manage disruptions to avoid stalling the plan.
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