The Plan up Mindset

Every project needs a plan—but sometimes planning is easier said than done. Plan Up is your go-to resource for getting plans off the ground and your team on board.

Planning isn't optional

It doesn’t matter what kind of work you ship or methodology you use. The only way to ensure you’re actually on the right track is with a full project plan.

So why does it even have to be said?

With business moving faster and faster, too many teams see planning as a waste of time that gets in the way of doing the work.

That’s insane.

Without a plan, how do you know you’re on the right track? You don’t.

A plan is your only sure ticket to success—and there are lots of reasons it should always be part of your process.

  • Plans minimize stress.
  • Plans inspire confidence.
  • Plans drive communication.
  • Plans unite and focus teams.
  • Plans create accountability.
  • Plans keep deadlines on track.
  • Plans prevent team overload.
  • Plans take fear out of change.
  • Plans mitigate risk.
  • Plans increase profitability.
34%
of Agile project failures occur as a result of a lack of up-front planning. And 44% of those failures are due to a lack of documentation. So even if you’re Agile, you need a plan to ensure project success.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin

Plans come in all shapes and sizes

There’s no single standard format for an effective project plan. It’s more important to build your plan around what your people and project need and keep everyone updated and aligned throughout the project. That’s where simple yet solid principles will help.

5 principles of a good plan

Get a confident start to planning

Whether convincing someone you need a plan or presenting a plan to your team, you’ve got to be confident. Use these free resources to sharpen your planning skills and crusade for better project plans.

Take the Plan Up class

Learn how to advocate for the time you need to plan and make planning part of any successful project strategy.

watch video

Download the resources

Sign up to download the Plan Up bundle, and be the first to know when updates hit and new resources are available.

Print this poster out and pin it up as a handy reminder for you and your project mates.

Get step-by-step guidance to help you build and communicate a solid plan for any project.

Gain buy-in on your plan with sample scripts for your team, stakeholders, and executives.

Keep up the good work

Blog
How to Schedule Time for Project Planning
Read
Resources
Project Template Library
Explore
Podcast
Why You Need a Plan with J. Scott
Listen