Operational Planning Tools

Cannot see the wood for the trees? Navigating life with operational planning tools

Jules Tilley | Principal Consultant | November, 2022

Operational planning, often associated with the military, is a versatile concept that holds equal importance in civilian life. In everyday life, operational planning serves as a valuable tool to achieve personal and professional goals, manage daily tasks, and navigate the complexities of our modern world.

In this short article, I explore the relevance of operational planning in a civilian context and how it can empower individuals to lead more organised, purpose-driven lives.

Defining Operational Planning in Civilians' Terms

Operational planning, when applied to civilian life, can be defined as a systematic and structured approach to achieving specific objectives or tasks. It involves setting clear goals, determining the necessary resources, establishing timelines, and outlining the steps needed to reach those objectives. In simple terms, it's a way of creating a roadmap for the journey ahead. The military Operational Planning Process has 7 stages:

Initiation: What is the problem?
Mission Analysis: What have I been told to do and why?
Course of Action (CoA) Development: Options developed.
CoA Analysis: Options refined.
CoA Validation and Comparison: Options compared and evaluated.
Commander’s CoA Decision: Most suitable option selected.
Plan Development: Selected option refined and implemented.

Initiation

When it comes to operational planning, the initial stage is to gain a clear understanding of the problem at hand. To do this effectively, it's important to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts. This allows you to dissect the issue and identify the specific pieces of the puzzle that may contribute to extra workload. By focusing on these key elements, you can better analyse and address the problem, making it easier to develop an efficient and effective plan.

Mission Analysis

This phase involves the establishment of precise and well-defined objectives. Whether you're pursuing a career milestone, embarking on a personal project, or simply organising your daily tasks, creating clear and attainable goals is paramount. Tasks and directives may originate from various origins, and it's essential to comprehend the importance of each task, ranking them accordingly. This clarity of direction offers guidance and impetus for progress. Understanding the content of the defined End State is vital because everything you strive to accomplish should contribute to achieving this final objective.

CoA Development

Operational planning also encompasses the allocation of resources. In a civilian setting, these resources encompass time, financial assets, expertise, and connections. Having a comprehensive grasp of your available resources and determining their optimal utilisation can markedly enhance your likelihood of achieving success. A delicate equilibrium exists between the available resources and the tasks that need to be accomplished. Frequently, due to resource constraints, activities must be coordinated and subdivided into smaller phases to reach the desired End State.

CoA Analysis

This stage primarily centers on formulating a strategy once you have clearly defined your objectives and resources. You might find yourself with multiple possible courses of action, each serving as a blueprint for achieving your goals. It involves considering the necessary steps, anticipating potential hurdles, and exploring potential solutions. This strategic thought process is crucial for achieving progress effectively. During this stage, it becomes possible to construct an overarching concept of operations and quantify the resources needed. Developing a timeline that sequences significant activities or milestones to be achieved is particularly beneficial at this juncture.

CoA Validation and Comparison

CoA validation and comparison play pivotal roles in the decision-making processes, particularly in domains like military strategy, emergency management, project planning, and risk assessment. These processes serve to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential repercussions of various courses of action before reaching a decision. Each CoA undergoes validation against predefined criteria, which may entail quantitative analysis, qualitative assessments, risk analysis, and modeling to delineate potential outcomes, costs, and benefits for each option.

Subsequently, based on the analysis and evaluation, a recommendation is made regarding the most suitable CoA, accompanied by a justifiable rationale grounded in the data and analysis conducted. Naturally, each potential CoA will have its own set of advantages and disadvantages, intricately tied to the assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It's important to note that the processes of analysis and comparison are iterative in nature, demanding thoughtful deliberation, collaboration, and the employment of appropriate analytical tools. These processes are of paramount importance in enabling informed decision-making, founded upon a comprehensive comprehension of potential outcomes and associated risks.

Commander’s CoA Decision

The Commander’s decision is a critical moment in military operations, and it reflects the commander's leadership, responsibility, and accountability for the mission's success. It is based on a careful evaluation of available information, an understanding of the mission's context, and a consideration of the potential consequences of the chosen course of action. This decision is based on a combination of analysis, experience, judgment, and intuition. The commander selects the CoA that best aligns with the mission objectives, minimises risks, and maximises the chances of success. The commander will ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in executing the selected course of action prior to further work being conducted to refine the chosen plan.

Plan Development

After the Commander's CoA decision is made, the planning staff will work on detailed execution plans, including orders, timelines, and coordination efforts, ensuring that all stakeholders are involved. Operational planning is not a one-time effort; it's an ongoing process. After creating your strategy, you'll need to implement it and continuously monitor your progress. Regularly evaluating your actions against your plan allows you to adjust as necessary.

Embracing Change

Adaptability plays a crucial role in the realm of operational planning. Whether in civilian life or professional contexts, unforeseen events and shifting circumstances are bound to occur. The ability to adjust your plans and strategies as needed is vital for maintaining your course and navigating unforeseen challenges effectively.

Conclusion

Operational planning is not just reserved for military operations or the corporate world; it's a practical tool that can empower individuals to lead more organised and purpose-driven lives. Whether you're striving for personal growth, managing your daily tasks, or working toward long-term goals, operational planning can provide structure and direction. By setting clear objectives, allocating resources wisely, creating effective strategies, and embracing flexibility, you can navigate the complexities of civilian life with confidence and achieve the success you desire. The emphasis should be on communication, collaboration, and the use of data and tools to develop effective plans. In the end, operational planning acts as the guiding blueprint leading you toward the goals you've set, essentially your defined End State.