The importance of planning in business (as well as in contexts like war and sports) is often overstated. The idea that "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail" (B. Franklin), may not fully capture the situation. There are many respected counterarguments, such as Von Moltke's (Military strategist) observation that "No plan survives first contact with the enemy", or Mike Tyson's remark that "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. Napoleon too, preferred generals who were lucky over those who were merely skilled. These perspectives suggest that the importance of planning is sometimes exaggerated.

However, there is an important caveat.

I recall a study conducted by some consulting group or business school that analyzed long-term business results on a sample of large companies, compared to the original business plans approved years earlier. While the outcomes often aligned with the initial plans, the paths taken by companies to achieve these results were frequently different from what was originally planned. This indicates that the true value of planning lies not in the plan itself but in the process of the organization coming together, developing knowledge, achieving bonding and alignment toward a shared objective. All of this enables organizations to adapt to uncertainties and manage deviations from the plan in pursuing their goals.

In essence, planning is crucial not for following a set path but for preparing organizations to handle and adapt when the path diverges from reality.

Therefore, planning is essential.

And also B. Franklin was right.