47.1 Action After Deliberation

 47.1 Action After Deliberation

Question:

Is planning essential before action?

Answer:

Before venturing into action, consider the pros and cons and

the net benefit.                                                                                            (Couplet - 461)

             Nothing is too difficult to attain for those who consult with

             knowledgeable people before venturing into action.                          (Couplet - 462)

Wise men will not, for the sake of anticipated profit,

undertake a project that may consume their principal itself.             (Couplet – 463)

             Those who fear disgrace will not venture anything without having

             a clear goal in mind.                                                                                    (Couplet - 464)

             To fight against the enemies without well-thought plans will only

             strengthen the enemy.                                                                               (Couplet - 465)

 

அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும்

ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல்.                                                          (குறள் – 461)

தெரிந்த இனத்தொடு தேர்ந்தெண்ணிச் செய்வார்க்கு

அரும்பொருள் யாதொன்றும் இல்.                                              (குறள் – 462)

ஆக்கம் கருதி முதலிழக்கும் செய்வினை

ஊக்கார் அறிவுடை யார்.                                                            (குறள் – 463)

தெளிவி லதனைத் தொடங்கார் இளிவென்னும்

ஏதப்பாடு அஞ்சு பவர்.                                                                (குறள் – 464)

வகையறச் சூழா தெழுதல் பகைவரைப்

பாத்திப் படுப்பதோர் ஆறு.                                                         (குறள் – 465)

Explanataion:

Valluvar strongly believes that planning is essential before venturing into action. In Couplets 461 through 465, Valluvar emphasizes the importance of planning. Valluvar’s advice on the importance of planning applies to any project like a war, starting a new business, or expanding an existing business.

Planning is an essential function of management. According to Koontz and O’Donnell, authors of the popular textbook, Principles Of Management, An Analysis Of Managerial Functions, “Planning is deciding in advance - what to do, when to do and how to do. It bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to be.” Planning deals with deciding on a future course of action for achieving the pre-determined goals. Planning is necessary to ensure that the resources are appropriately utilized. Planning is an intellectual activity that helps to coordinate all aspects of a project.

Throughout history, there are many examples of business enterprises and military ventures ending in failures due to a lack of proper planning. In the United States, more than 500,000 small businesses are started each month. According to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, only about 50% of these businesses survive their fifth anniversary, and only one-third celebrate their 10^th anniversary. Among the many reasons for the failure of small businesses, it is said that lack of proper planning is the chief among them. As Valluvar points out in Couplet 463 and 464, wise men who fear the disgrace of failure will not enter into businesses without due deliberations before starting a business.

 

 As Valluvar states in Couplet 464, businesses that are well managed do not rush into projects without a clear goal. The leaders of successful businesses consult with their staff and other consultants and thoroughly analyze the pros and cons and the net benefit as stated by Valluvar on Couplet 461. This type of analysis is known as Feasibility Study. Again, as Valluvar says in Couplet 462, nothing is too difficult to accomplish for those who consult with the right people and plan carefully, considering the potential benefits and losses and the resulting benefit.

 

Failure to have adequate planning has also led to major defeats in battles. For example, due to lack of proper planning, Napoleon suffered a major setback when he invaded Russia in 1812. He did not expect that the Russians would burn everything on their way when they retreated. When Napoleon’s army reached Moscow, Moscow was burning. Napoleon’s army ran out of supplies, and they were ill-equipped to face the severe cold Russian winter. Napoleon’s army had to retreat. While Napoleon’s army was retreating, the Russian troops attacked them. Napoleon lost more than 500,000 warriors. Another example of an ill-conceived plan that led to shameful defeat occurred during the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba by the Cuban exiles in 1961 to overthrow the Fidel Castro regime. When the Cuban exiles reached the Bay of Pigs, they were vastly outnumbered by the Cuban army, and the air support from the USA did not come to aid the exiles as expected. As Valluvar mentions in Couplet 465, those who do not plan before action help the enemy to succeed.