On the io9 blog Emma Coats lists the 22 lessons she has learned about storytelling while working at Pixar, the animation film studio. Rule 7, "figure out the ending" because "endings are hard, get yours working up front" prompts today's management tip.
Most "experts" say that you should first write the business plan and then write the executive summary. I do it just the opposite. I write the executive summary first where I am forced by space limitations to cogently and concisely layout the key factors that will be compelling to an investor. If I write a full business plan I then know which key points require amplification and substantiation. I am basically following Ms. Coats recommendation. (Hint: With a good 2-3 page summary you do not need a business plan.)
Maybe another business problem will help to explain. Suppose revenue is lower than plan and you conclude that you need to raise prices. You could do an exhaustive analysis of product pricing and competition, but the better thinking should be devoted to the question "how do we increase the perceived value of the product by the customer". In the end price increases only work if the customer perceives an increase in value. Therefore, by forcing ourselves to think about the end result we are better able to solve the problem and execute a solution.
Obviously it takes some experience and discipline to use a "figure out the ending approach" but you should produce a better quality result.
Image credit: smallbiztrends.com
