One can use plans to have something to follow and know what to do at every moment. That works quite well for many of the routines and processes installed in organizations. They have been learned over time and can be applied and reapplied without much surprise.

These plans help to make things happen according to a variety of expectations. They can be used to achieve measurable results which can then be enhanced again.

These plans require a certain type of discipline and application to stick to them. Surprises result most often from people deviating from the plan and its expectations.

Something different happens with plans that have been established when starting something new. There is less information available about how things usually work as most of the situations encountered will be new too.

These plans serve a different purpose. They are reminders of the planned destination and the existing unknowns. Whenever a surprise arises, the plan is there to show the unknown it was established upon. The plan becomes a learning platform and needs to be constantly adjusted to the situation at hand.

Coming back to the plan is there to remind the team of the existing ambition and direction. Going back to the plan, the team validates the ambition they set out with. It allows them to let go of the uncertainty of the situation. Their work consists now in learning from the obstacle that appeared. They have to refocus on the destination and figure out what options they have to develop to move around or through the obstacle to stay on track.

The reason the plan exists is to help the team refocus and adjust to a given situation. It works once the plan is welcomed as a learning partner instead of expecting it to be a blueprint.