What Is Proactive Planning?
There are many terms in use today that were not in existence even 10 years ago. The introduction of more technology in everyday life has expanded the vernacular and the vocabulary of the average person to include more scientific terminology. While this can be seen as an advancement in the language overall, the connotation of certain words and phrases that have become part of the popular discussion can often confuse the general meaning of a word or a group of words.
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Definition
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Although the individual words proactive and planning are found in most dictionaries these days, the combination of the two has led to a profusion of meanings for the term proactive planning. Although generically the definition of proactive planning describes a mind-set or a strategic approach to problem-solving and situation preparedness, the application of the phrase can often render different connotations depending on the context in which it is used and the environment in which it is applied.
Examples
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When this phrase is used in legal terms, its usage will depend upon which particular legal strategy is being discussed. For example, there may be a situation in which a plan of action is being developed to help a client avoid penalties and possible litigation in regard to dividend disclosures and share values as they pertain to the stock market. In this case, proactive planning refers to devising a unified policy that ensures complete disclosure by the financial officers of the client's corporation that complies with regulations and restrictions mandated by law.
Proactive Planning Usage
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Another example of the use of this phrase can be found in an essay on effective hiring strategies. While the basic approach defined by the term proactive planning is generally the same as in the previous example, the application of the phrase can be said to be quite different. In this instance, the idea is to invoke proactive planning in establishing a company policy that evaluates such factors as employee background, training, aptitudes and stated goals to better understand which aspects of the company's operation need to be bolstered by more specific hiring practices.
Application of Proactive Planning
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For a public-relations firm, the use of this term is applied to providing its clients a successful strategy for dealing with emergency situations and managing crises that develop. In this scenario, the proactive planning strategy that the PR firm puts forth advises its clients to take a look at the effectiveness of their onsite managers in handling past crises and emergency situations in terms of organization, communication and employee management. The strategy also looks at the possibility of reorganization of certain management staff to maximize the capabilities of the current employees to perform under periods of stress and crisis.
Definitive Meaning
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In the final analysis, it is concluded that there is, in fact, no definite meaning for the phrase proactive planning. Yet the connotation of this term still inspires a definite mind-set for most people, whether it is in an individual context or in a more collective environment. The non-specific, generic definition of proactive planning eventually will be decided by the particular situation to which it is applied.
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