Planning as a Management Function
As the First Managerial Function, Planning is Critical to Success
May 8, 2009
Planning, organizing, leading and controlling occur in every management position. From a gas station to a restaurant, the managers at each of these facilities will need to perform each of the functions. Planning is often listed as the first managerial function because it is critical to the overall success of the organization.
According to Bernard L. Erven, planning focuses on the future impact of today’s decisions. Without looking to the future, managers will not know the appropriate decision to make today.
Mission Statement and Vision Statement
Part of the planning process includes developing a mission statement and vision statement. The vision statement is typically a general statement that includes motivation for management and all employees. The vision statement is the ideal way the company hopes to function.
The mission statement explains the reason for the business’ existence. What is the purpose of the business? What are the goals of the business? The entire mission statement should be no longer than a paragraph; it should be focused and straight to the point. Employees should know the mission statement of their place of employment so they can sure they are fulfilling the company’s mission. When writing a mission statement for a company, it is often helpful to get inspiration from other company’s mission statements, such as those found on various websites.
No Plan Equals No Direction
The manager sets the tone for his or her department and employees. If the manager doesn’t have a plan, how can the employees be expected to know which direction to work towards? Managers need to not only have a plan, they need to implement it with and through their employees. By sculpting a plan, the manager is ensuring a direction for the company, preparing for the future and thinking before acting.
Planning is Fluid and Flexible
Once a plan is written or formulated, it does not mean it can’t be revisited. In fact, it should be reviewed to see if it was successful or if it needs to be revised. Often times, a plan needs to be revised as circumstances change. No plan is going to cover every challenge that arises in the workplace. However, a good plan will include solutions to common issues that develop.
Plan Forward
Some managers consistently feel as if they are simply confronted with crises throughout their day. Very often, these managers are only looking at the day’s events and not looking ahead. Planning ahead and looking forward will ensure that many potential problems are curbed before they happen. Although many tasks can be delegated, it is ultimately the supervisor or manager’s job to plan hours, tasks and events for his or her department.
Planning is the first managerial function and continues throughout the other functions as well. As managers organize, staff, control and lead their organizations, planning continues. Managers must remember that planning may take time in the beginning, but it saves time and reduces difficulties that may occur in the future.
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