Final answer:
Planning is the process of organizing and anticipating necessary steps to achieve a goal, involving processing abstract information and planning for unforeseen circumstances to avoid waiting for crises to occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
Planning is the anticipation and organization of what needs to be done to reach an objective. Planning involves the ability to process abstract information, anticipate situations that may not have arisen yet, and potentially make individual sacrifices for the greater good. It is essential in ensuring that one does not wait for a crisis to become apparent before responding, which may be too late for an effective resolution. This level of foresight and preparedness is crucial for aligning actions with a specific goal in mind, particularly within business strategies and operations.
During the planning process, it's important to first assess the current situation and identify any challenges that could arise when creating a roadmap to achieve desired objectives. Tactical maneuvering, for instance, involves careful planning and strategy to transform obstacles into advantages. Moreover, planning can be deeply connected with values and behaviors embracing flexibility in uncertainty and preparing for a range of possible futures, as outlined in sections 20.4 Values Shifts and 20.5 Flexibility in Uncertainty of a Discretionary Summary.