Make Big Plans

Ready — Daniel H. Burnham established an architectural design firm that was responsible for several well-known buildings in the USA, for example, Marshal Field’s (Chicago, IL), Ellicott Square (Buffalo, NY), Pennsylvania Station (Pittsburg, PA), and Union Station in Washington, D.C.). His design for the city of Chicago, known as the Burnham Plan, is still evident today in the nature preserves that protect the environment from the growing population and expansion of the city.

Set — Visitors to the Burnham home were not surprised to find the following motto hanging over the fireplace mantle: Make No Little Plans.

It’s a good motto to keep in mind as we make our own plans for work and life. One can always amend a big plan, but you can never expand a small one. Plans should always be big enough to meet a situation that can’t be foreseen now.

It’s possible, I suppose, to make too big of a plan. However, after fifty years studying leadership, it’s my observation that it’s rare to see a plan that’s too big. Most are just small . . . too small. And, small plans lack energy, excitement, and appeal.

Grow! — It’s common following a crisis to make timid plans. That’s a mistake. Bold plans own the future. What plans are you making for your life, career, or business? Do they excite you? Energize you? If not, they’re too small.