I have two memories of grad school in the eponymous “Happy Valley” known as Penn State. One memory is foggy, a product of extracurricular activity, another is more distinct. I distinctly remember sitting in an Organizational Theory class as the professor presented the following acronym: P.P.P.P.P.P. I thought, “What are all these P’s for?” The answer, “Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” The price of an education. The inherent value, the gift that keeps on giving, and who said, “Theory often doesn’t translate into practice”?
I remember my “6 P’s”. I have learned that prudence is often the arbiter of future success. To be prudent is to be wise, a gift of experience and intuition. To be prudent is also to be cautious to a degree, governed by, yes – experience and intuition. Wisdom and caution are a present we can open in the same box of understanding. No matter what your profession, the “6 P’s” are a valuable guideline for achieving your intended results. I think Henry VIII may have been right when he said, “Execution wins it!” Okay, he didn’t really say that… but a little comic relief here and there offsets the boring message and the dogmatic messenger.
Wisdom and caution are a present we can open in the same box of understanding.
So, to my LinkedIn Universe, I wish each of you a great, safe Thanksgiving and I make this metaphorical toast to not only your health, but to the application of your cautious wisdom as well.
From the echoes of “Happy Valley” to the beaches of California, remember your “6 P’s” and go “Always Forward!”
