Planning for Victory: The PLAN AHEAD Framework by John Maxwell, Through the Lens of Football

Sep 27, 2024

In football, like in life and business, victory doesn’t happen by accident. It takes preparation, strategy, and execution to win on game day. John Maxwell’s PLAN AHEAD framework is like a playbook for success, helping individuals and teams strategize their way to a win. Whether you’re aiming for personal or professional growth, this structured approach offers a clear path to your goal—much like a well-executed drive down the field.

The Game Plan: Understanding the PLAN AHEAD Framework

Think of the PLAN AHEAD framework as your offensive strategy. Each step is a play designed to advance you toward the end zone. Here’s how Maxwell’s framework breaks down when viewed through the lens of football:

Pre-determine Objectives – This is like the pre-game strategy meeting. You decide what success looks like. What’s your end zone? What does winning mean for you and your team?
Lay Out Your Goals – Just like a quarterback calling plays, you break your objective into manageable steps. Which plays (or actions) will get you closer to scoring? Each goal should build on the last, moving the ball down the field.
Adjust Priorities – Sometimes, the defense reads your play. In football, you call an audible; in life, you adjust your priorities. What needs to come first to keep the drive alive?
Notify Key Personnel – Communication is everything. Just as a quarterback must communicate with the entire offense, you need to ensure that everyone on your team knows their role and is aligned with the strategy.
Allow Time for Acceptance – Every team needs time to absorb the game plan. Just like in practice, let your team get comfortable with the strategy before you charge forward.
Head Into Action – Once the whistle blows, it’s time to execute. You’ve called the play, now it’s about moving the ball downfield. Take action toward your goals with confidence and precision.
Expect Problems – No game goes without challenges. Fumbles, interceptions, and missed tackles happen. The same applies to life and business. Prepare for setbacks, and keep pushing forward.
Always Point to Successes – Every first down is a win. Celebrate progress along the way, just like how the crowd cheers when you move the chains. It keeps the team motivated and focused on the ultimate goal.
Daily Review Your Progress – Post-game analysis is crucial. Just like reviewing game tape, you need to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Make adjustments as needed to improve your performance.

Applying PLAN AHEAD to Your Personal Game

In football, you don’t win by accident, and the same is true for your personal and professional life. PLAN AHEAD helps you build a strategy and stick to it. Here’s how it can be used off the field:

Personal Development: Just like a football player works on their skills to get better, you can use PLAN AHEAD to align your personal goals with your values and purpose. Break your big dreams into smaller, actionable goals and drive toward them, one play at a time.
Business Strategy: Leading a team is like coaching. Implementing the PLAN AHEAD framework is like crafting a winning game plan. By setting clear objectives, communicating with your team, and regularly reviewing progress, you’ll guide your business to success, even when the competition gets tough.

Why PLAN AHEAD Wins the Game

In football, you don’t wait until the 4th quarter to make your comeback; you plan for success from the kickoff. Maxwell’s PLAN AHEAD framework works because it encourages you to think ahead, anticipate obstacles, and move intentionally toward your goals. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.

Final Whistle

John Maxwell’s PLAN AHEAD framework is your playbook for winning in life, business, or any other field. Just like in football, every step, every play, and every decision counts toward victory. Remember, as Maxwell says, “Thinking on the front end is preparing.”

So, get ready, call your plays, and move the ball toward success with a winning strategy.

Michael Willis, CEO of The Color Nine Group, has been utilizing strategic frameworks like PLAN AHEAD to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and reach new levels of success.