“So, we can put this plan to bed?” said Ross. His team had worked hard and done a pretty good job.

“Ross, let’s say you think this plan is the perfect plan. How will you know this is the perfect plan?”

“Since this is the plan for 2007, I guess we won’t know until the end of 2007.”

“So, you are going to wait until the end of 2007 to make sure you know you are still on the right track?” I asked.

“Well, of course not. That would be stupid,” said Ross. We will be looking at the plan all through the year.”

“When will you look at the plan again?” I asked. “Ross, every company has grand intentions to look at their plan through the year, but quite frankly, most companies don’t do it.”

“Well, I am sure we will look at it again,” Ross stated firmly.

“Well, I am sure that you won’t,” I replied. “Unless.” I stopped.

“Unless what?” Ross asked.

“Unless, at the end of each calendar quarter, you schedule a full day with your management team, fully focused, perhaps off-site, to revisit your plan from top to bottom.”

Ross was a quick study. He was already reaching for his calendar. -TF