How rigid is your organization when it comes to managing work schedules and deadlines?

Our reader poll today asks: How rigid is your organization when it comes to managing work schedules and deadlines?

• Extremely: We plan out everything in great detail and rigorously stick to schedules 8.34%
• Very: We plan most things and place a lot of emphasis on schedules 43.23%
• Somewhat: We plan big, complex projects but not much else 30.73%
• Not very: We generally go with the flow except in rare cases 14.58%
• Not at all: We’re totally winging it, and time is immaterial 3.12%

Some plan, others… not so much. While this poll is split almost 50/50 in terms of those who plan rigorously and those who are less structured, it’s still instructive for both groups. For those who are planners, while your execution might be great, the risk you face is getting too attached to the plan and being inflexible especially when new issues or opportunities arise. To mitigate this risk, schedule regular “are we still making the right decision?” conversations or meetings. If the answer is yes, proceed with the plan. If it’s “no” it’s time to consider a new plan. For those who don’t plan, you might remain eminently flexible but the risk is you wander aimlessly and meander through the market. Adding some planning rigor once you decide on a direction can improve momentum and results.

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC

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These results were originally a SmartPulse poll in SmartBrief on Leadership which tracks feedback from more than 240,000 business leaders. Get smarter on leadership and sign up for the SmartBrief on Leadership e-newsletter.