When an important client or key staff leaves, an engagement budget is blown, or something seems to just come out of the blue, it’s tempting to say “it just happened.” While it may appear to be out of your control or have any ability to anticipate it, the truth is, stuff doesn’t just happen. You can always find precursors and signals after the fact. But because you missed them, you’re left scrambling to react. You yell, ALL HANDS ON DECK! STOP THE BLEEDING! as you run through the hall as if your hair was on fire.

Rather than put yourself in a reactive mode, take the time to pull away and see what you’re doing, what’s coming and what’s likely to happen. That’s how you prevent, head off or prepare for what’s likely to happen.

Being proactive this way makes life so much easier. If you would only have a little bit of time, do these three things:

Plan. By having a clear roadmap of how you will proceed, you force yourself to play it out in your mind so it all makes sense.

“What is the sequence we should use to get the best result?”

Communicate. Others can participate once they know the plan. Holding the roadmap close to you means others don’t/won’t do anything until you tell them. Their passivity is a result of you not communicating.

          “Who should know the plan in order to maximize the energy and commitment?

Anticipate. Even the best laid plans will change. By keeping an eye on the road, you will avert the potholes and see the detours before you get in the middle of a huge mess.

          “If we go this route, who will be offended, who will resist, and who will help?”

This week, Pay attention. Learn from experience. Ask questions. Just remember: things don’t just happen.