A Bad Plan is the Makings of a Good Plan
I want to share a concept that has shaped so much of the way I think and work: a bad plan is the makings of a good plan. This idea might sound counterintuitive at first, but when you step back and look at how learning and progress really happen, it makes perfect sense. I get feedback from people all the time who are starting out in the construction industry or who are moving into new roles. They ask, “How do I create the right plan when I’m new at this?” The truth is that your first plan probably won’t be perfect. In fact, it might be flat-out wrong. And that is not only okay, it is exactly what you need.Why Starting Matters More Than Perfection
My business partner Kevin Rice says this to our engineers constantly: “A bad plan is the makings of a good plan.” He is right. What he means is that if you put something down on paper, even if it is incomplete or inaccurate, you now have something to work with. I have seen this firsthand in logistics plans, zone maps, and takt plans. When someone hands me a draft, I can review it, question it, and provide feedback. And almost every single time, after we debate and refine, the final product is better than if the person had waited until they felt it was “perfect.” Perfectionism kills momentum. Drafts create learning. Feedback loops are what make things excellent.Lessons From Real Life
To make this more relatable, let me share a simple analogy. Nobody learns to kiss or make love by studying a manual or drafting a contract first. You learn by starting, paying attention, and adjusting to feedback. It might be awkward at first, but the process makes you better. Planning works the same way. You cannot wait until you think you have it all figured out. You have to start, test it, and improve along the way. I once reviewed a site logistics plan with Kevin that was completely wrong. We spent hours tearing it apart, challenging assumptions, debating, and rebuilding. By the time we were done, that plan became one of the best I have ever seen. And it only happened because we had a bad draft to begin with.Overcoming the Fear of Getting Started
The real danger is not in creating a flawed first draft. The real danger is in being too afraid to start at all. Imagine missing out on learning how to do something you love simply because you refused to try. Planning is the same. If you never put down your first idea, you will never have the chance to shape it into something great. So when you are asked to prepare a logistics plan, a takt plan, or a strategy for a project, do not overthink it. Get it down on paper. Share it. Invite feedback. That is the path to creating something outstanding.Key Takeaway
A bad plan is not a failure. It is the first step toward a great plan. Progress comes from starting, getting feedback, and improving, not from waiting until things feel perfect.If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our YouTube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
