Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during WW2 and responsible for planning and supervising the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch in 1942-43 and for the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944-45 (Operation Overlord). After the war he became the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961.
Operation Overlord involved the movement of a total of 3 million men, moved by 6000 ships with aerial cover provided by 5000 fighter planes. Support facilities included laying a fuel pipeline under the English Channel and the creation of floating prefabricated docks (Mulberry harbours) which were at the cutting edge of technology at the time. Arguably one of the largest projects in history, the success of this endeavour was largely down to the meticulous planning which Eisenhower headed up.
In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.
In the world of projects the failure to plan is planning for failure. However in the press of action managers often jump right to execution, either skipping planning entirely or paying it mere lip service. A phrase that encapsulates this problem is “Ready, fire, aim” – PM-speak for the failure to plan.
Creating the plan is merely the first part of a process that should include updating and revising the plan as the project progresses – your project plan really should be a living document.
Eisenhower, whatever your view on his politics, was an inspirational leader in time of war and peace. Every project manager should take this quote from the great man to heart.
A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.