Can your “big plan” survive a punch in the jaw? – SCN Encourager

Knockout leadership advice from boxing champ Mike Tyson.

How often do you get the chance to agree with Mike Tyson?

Well, today’s the day!

He nailed it when he observed, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

I’m not alone in believing this.

While I only heard this quote for the first time two weeks ago, I’ve discovered successful three entrepreneurs and authors since then who have adopted it as their primary strategic planning maxim.

One CEO even has the quote engraved on the hair-dryer in her bathroom at home. (I’m taking her on her word about this…)

Apparently, what has these leaders full of praise for Mike Tyson’s statement is its truth.

As school communicators living in times where the advantage often goes to the speedy-kwik, our district’s Plan A must also be able to take a punch, change direction, and get off the canvas before the count of ten.

And if our prized Plan A can’t survive Round One, we must have a directional Plan B waiting in the locker room ready to step into the ring in its place… along with a “common language” communications tactical plan that supports it.

You can see why your top administrative echelon and the person largely “responsible” for your school communications must have the “gloves on” all together from the get-go.

There’s simply no time to get “caught up” later, especially if you’re trying to avoid sounding defensive.

It’s a pugilistic fact.

The best one-two punches are thrown within micro-seconds of each other.

And you won’t be able to put together an effective combination of your own if your communications arm is out-of-the-loop, on call, and tied behind your back.

At least that’s what Iron Mike Tyson would tell you.

You can take it up with him if you like.

I would myself, but in lieu of a hair dryer at home to engrave, I wrote Mike Tyson’s quote on a 3×5 card and taped it onto our bathroom mirror so Cindy and I could always see it.

It didn’t stay up very long, unfortunately.

Cindy’s “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” response caused me to throw in the towel.

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