In business, there’s a saying that “failing to plan is planning to fail”. In baseball, the most successful hitters approach the at-bat with a plan, based upon the situation.
On the other hand, an American president brags about going into a high-level meeting with another head of state with no preparation whatsoever.
I’m not a high-level anything, but I have learned the value of increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes by advance planning. I learned this by failing to do this and experiencing less-than optimal outcomes, which I didn’t like.
In business, the stakes are high, with regards to your company’s success and your future with the company. So, for a presentation, it’s vital to hone your presentation to be appealing and informative, then practice delivering it until it’s second nature. For meeting, preparing by going back over what you know about the folks you’re meeting with, getting the facts y0ou anticipate will be discussed, and examining your recent history together will help ensure a focused productive meeting. You’re showing respect for their time, and yours. Coming to meeting unprepared sends a message that you don’t care.
For the CBA board meeting, I study the previous meeting’s minutes, the current agenda, and try and visualize what will be discussed and how I can contribute, and this can turn a 5 hour meeting into a 3 hour one – now that’s a desirable outcome!
Advance planning does not eliminate surprises, of course. They’re called “surprises” because they could not be anticipated, give the data you have prior. But preparation raises the bar on what can surprise you and your confidence to deal with the unexpected.
In playing music, preparation is multi-level. You should know the songs you’re going to play, of course. You should understand the arrangements your band has set up for these songs – how they start, who takes what solos, and when, and who’s singing which vocal parts. If there’s a setlist, study that and visualize how each song comes after each other. It is possible to mentally prep for the next song, even while performing the current song.
Gig logistics are vital too – does everybody know where they’re playing? Not just by name, but the actual address? There’s more than one Hopmonk – is everyone going to the right one? Who’s bringing the PA gear? What will you need? Has everyone been sent a reminder and knows that time to arrive? Do you have spare cords, mics, stand, strings, rosin – bridge pins?
How is the gig paying – cash or by check? Do you know the rules regarding breaks, drinks, food and tips at the venue?
People are different, of course, and this type of preparation is second nature for some folks and bewildering to others. Any band that has a couple of natural organizers is in better shape that a band where no one bothers with these details. In a very good band, there’s a set and expected routine for practice, rehearsal and gig deployment. The benefit is hugely reduced stresses, which free everyone up to simply do their jobs and have the maximum amount of fun!
