You are tasked to put together a business plan for the first time. You have spent countless hours working on the plan. Once you are done with your plan, cast your ego aside. Allow your stakeholders to discuss your plan, question the plan and even tear the plan apart. The perfect business plan does not exist.
(Source: Wix Media)
Words are not carved in stone. Making a plan just means you have thought it through - why we should do it, what to do, how to do and when to do.
It really doesn't mean your plan is the best course of action for everyone.
Ideally you have spoken to different stakeholders to gain different perspective as you built your plan.
Driving the business forward means finding the best course of action.
To find the best course of action, we need to explore different different perspectives.
To explore different perspectives, questions should be asked, concerns should be raised.
Don't ever take it personally when your stakeholders are asking questions. They are just exploring the best course of action with you.
If you don't know the answer to questions, it also indicates there are things you can learn - a new perspective you should include in your consideration for the future.
If you'd like to see a detailed framework on how to approach your first project, please view here.