In the world of Agile leadership, where change is constant and complexity is the norm, lessons from unexpected sources can provide powerful insights. One such lesson comes from the military, where the 7 Ps are a well-known adage:
“Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.”
This straightforward yet profound principle emphasizes the importance of preparation and foresight. For Agile leaders, adopting the 7 Ps can make the difference between a high-performing, adaptable team and one that struggles with uncertainty and inefficiency.
Let’s explore how this timeless wisdom applies to Agile and Lean practices, and how you can incorporate it into your leadership.
Proper Planning: Setting the Foundation
In Agile, planning isn’t about rigid documentation or predicting every detail. Instead, it’s about creating a shared understanding of goals and priorities.
- How to Apply:
- Facilitate regular backlog refinement sessions to ensure work items are ready.
- Use tools like story mapping or Lean Value Trees to align teams on the big picture.
- Apply iterative planning (e.g., sprint planning) to stay responsive to change.
Prioritization: Focus on What Matters Most
Without clear priorities, teams risk working on low-value activities or spreading themselves too thin.
- How to Apply:
- Adopt prioritization frameworks such as WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) or MoSCoW.
- Ensure alignment on the most critical outcomes through tools like OKRs or Impact Mapping.
- Regularly re-evaluate priorities based on customer feedback and evolving needs.
Proactive Risk Management
Planning ahead isn’t just about what to do; it’s also about preparing for what might go wrong.
- How to Apply:
- Incorporate risk reviews into planning sessions.
- Use techniques like FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) or simple “pre-mortems” to identify potential pitfalls.
- Build slack into schedules to accommodate unforeseen challenges.
People-Centric Leadership
High-performing Agile teams thrive when leaders focus on their people’s needs, motivation, and well-being.
- How to Apply:
- Establish psychological safety, where team members feel safe to share ideas and take risks.
- Provide regular, meaningful feedback to help individuals and teams grow.
- Use retrospectives to empower the team to own their continuous improvement journey.
Processes That Enable, Not Restrict
The best processes provide a framework for consistency without stifling creativity or adaptability.
- How to Apply:
- Use lightweight but effective processes like Kanban for flow management or Scrum for iterative delivery.
- Regularly inspect and adapt workflows to ensure they support, rather than hinder, the team.
- Avoid over-engineering processes; simplicity is key.
Performance Metrics That Matter
Measuring the right things ensures teams stay focused on delivering value, not just outputs.
- How to Apply:
- Shift from output-focused metrics (e.g., velocity) to outcome-based metrics (e.g., customer satisfaction, cycle time).
- Use metrics like lead time and flow efficiency to identify bottlenecks.
- Ensure metrics drive behaviors aligned with the team’s and organization’s goals.
Persistence and Adaptability
While the 7 Ps emphasize preparation, the reality of Agile work requires adaptability and resilience when plans inevitably change.
- How to Apply:
- Foster a culture of learning and experimentation, embracing failure as part of growth.
- Use continuous feedback loops to adapt plans based on new information.
- Ensure the team’s vision and purpose remain clear even as tactics evolve.
Final Thoughts: The Agile Leader’s Role
As an Agile leader, your role is not to create rigid plans but to enable your teams to prepare effectively and adapt dynamically. The 7 Ps remind us that success often starts with preparation but thrives on adaptability.
By embracing the principles of Proper Prior Planning, you set the stage for empowered teams, consistent value delivery, and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
So, the next time you’re guiding your team through a sprint, release, or transformation, ask yourself: Are we planning with purpose, prioritizing effectively, and preparing for success? If not, it might be time to revisit the 7 Ps.
What does “Proper Prior Planning” look like in your Agile leadership journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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