The PACE Method
A Four-Step Approach for Bulletproof Planning in Business and Life
If there's one thing the business world and the covert world of espionage share, it's the need for rock-solid planning. In a space where a wrong move can have catastrophic results, the CIA—the Central Intelligence Agency—takes planning seriously. Former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante revealed a robust planning methodology in one of his podcast episodes, and it's a method that can just as effectively be applied to business and everyday life: PACE, an acronym for Primary, Alternative, Contingency, and Emergency.
Let's dig into why the PACE methodology offers more than just your traditional Plan A, and how it can make your business and personal planning resilient and effective.
1. Primary: Your Best-Laid Plan
In the context of the PACE methodology, your Primary plan is essentially what most of us would refer to as 'Plan A.' This is the strategy you hope and expect will work. It's comprehensive, carefully calculated, and is likely the most straightforward route to your objective.
However, unlike the typical 'Plan A,' a Primary plan in the PACE framework is not a standalone strategy. Instead, it's the first part of a multi-tiered approach. The best plan is one that recognizes its own limitations, no matter how slight. Having additional strategies in place can make the difference between a hiccup and a disaster.
2. Alternative: Your Plan B
The Alternative plan acts as your first fallback. If, for some reason, your Primary plan fails, you immediately switch to your Alternative. While this plan is not your first choice, it's still a viable method to achieve your goals. However, the Alternative plan typically comes with some drawbacks, such as increased time or resource investment. But it's better than having no backup at all.
As former Apple CEO Steve Jobs famously said, "Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations." An Alternative plan serves this purpose well. It gives you the freedom to innovate while providing a safety net for when things don't go as planned.
3. Contingency: The Adapt-and-Overcome Plan
Contingency plans are where you begin to expect the unexpected. While your Primary and Alternative plans are generally created under the assumption that you understand all the variables involved, a Contingency plan accepts that this is not always the case.
The Contingency strategy is designed to be more flexible, adaptable, and quick to deploy. It's for those times when you're thrown a curveball—when conditions change rapidly, and your first two plans can no longer be executed as expected. In essence, the Contingency plan is your "adapt and overcome" strategy.
4. Emergency: The Last-Resort Plan
Your Emergency plan is exactly what it sounds like: a last-resort measure for when everything else has failed. While nobody ever wants to resort to an Emergency plan, having one ensures you're prepared for the worst-case scenario. In such moments, even a suboptimal outcome is better than no outcome at all.
Applying PACE in Business and Everyday Life
By adopting the PACE framework, you're not just preparing for multiple eventualities—you're thinking proactively about the various pathways to success. Whether you're running a business, working with clients, or simply navigating life's many challenges, this multi-tiered approach enhances your problem-solving abilities.
In business, for instance, PACE is invaluable for both project planning and business recovery planning. For projects, your Primary plan might be your initial project roadmap, while your Alternative could involve a different technology stack or resource set. Contingency plans could be activated if a key team member leaves, and Emergency plans might involve delaying the project or pivoting to a different strategy entirely.
Having a well-defined PACE plan in place builds resilience in your business and life, increasing the odds of success even when faced with unforeseen challenges.
Conclusion
Effective planning is not just about having a strong initial strategy; it's about preparing for the unknown and being able to adapt when circumstances change. The PACE methodology offers a robust, multi-tiered approach that can significantly enhance your planning and decision-making abilities.
So, the next time you're drafting a plan—whether it's for a business project or a personal goal—remember to set your PACE. Because as the saying goes, "Failing to plan is planning to fail."
About the Author
Alex S. Moy is a leadership coach who helps entrepreneurs and business leaders reimagine what’s possible in their businesses. He helps successful leaders become even more effective by addressing their blind spots, leveraging technology and developing winning habits. True leadership isn't just about achieving success, but about building a positive legacy and making a meaningful impact on the lives around you. That's why Alex is dedicated to helping leaders not only improve their own performance, but also inspire and empower others to succeed.
If you would like to see greater freedom, peace, impact and joy in your life, book your free 30-minute coaching session today.
50 years of Gut, Heart, Head.
After a while, PACE becomes so second nature in your risk management process that its as if there are 4 planning quadrants to the brain where each element is resident and available. Best case to Crisis, one is always prepared.