Action Plan: Case Studies
- personal995
- May 8, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
Index
Case Studies: By Examples
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
Purpose
Action Plan: Case Studies is a section of Action Plan.
This page and section exists to provide examples of what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
Introduction
Take heed of the stories of others. We are a storying telling species, they help us remember.
We often won't understand the ramifications of poor planning, preparation or actions until it is too late. We have all had to learn something over and over. Either 'the penny doesn't drop,' we have cognitive biases that hold us back, or we do not quite yet have the accumulated knowledge or experience to tie it all together.
The Case Studies are provided to help show what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
The Case Studies are just appetisers to get you started. Read the referenced further readings in the Library (or similar books that might more readily align with your specific goals) to really submerse yourself into another's experience and absorb the learnings.
Process
As with the Lessons, review these Case Studies as and when it best serves you to do so:
Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and Action the Case Studies:
Document any insights or ideas in your Templates and ultimately if suitable, in your Action Plan.
Read more deeply about someone you may want to emulate.
If the individuals mentioned do not resonate with you, who does? Discover them and learn their story.
Take what you learn and put it into action.
Whatever you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Case Studies: By Example
1. Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin, an iconic figure in American history, celebrated for his multifaceted achievements as a statesman, inventor, scientist, and writer. Behind his remarkable accomplishments lies a strategic approach to time management and prioritization that played a crucial role in his success.
In his autobiography, Franklin unveils a methodical system for self-improvement and productivity that has since become legendary. At the core of his strategy was the meticulous crafting of a daily schedule or action plan. Franklin recognized the value of structuring his time to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Each day, Franklin divided his time into distinct blocks dedicated to various activities, ranging from work and leisure to self-improvement endeavors. By meticulously allocating specific periods for tasks, Franklin ensured that no moment was wasted and that every action contributed to his overarching goals.
This disciplined approach to time management allowed Franklin to accomplish an astonishing array of feats throughout his lifetime. As a prolific writer, he penned numerous essays, articles, and publications that not only informed but also inspired generations. In the realm of science, Franklin's inquisitive mind led him to conduct groundbreaking experiments, most notably his exploration of electricity, which revolutionized our understanding of the natural world.
Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Franklin played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of his time. As a key figure in the founding of the United States, he leveraged his diplomatic skills and strategic acumen to negotiate critical agreements and draft essential documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Yet, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Franklin's legacy is not just his myriad accomplishments but the quality of life he cultivated through his disciplined approach to prioritization and action planning. Despite the demands of his diverse pursuits, Franklin managed to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, characterized by purpose and intentionality.
In essence, Franklin's story serves as a compelling testament to the profound benefits of understanding prioritization and maintaining an action plan. Through his example, we learn that by structuring our time and efforts thoughtfully, we can not only achieve our goals but also lead lives of purpose, productivity, and fulfillment.
Further reading: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Benjamin Franklin); Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (Walter Isaacson)
2. Steve Jobs
The co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs' story illustrates the importance of understanding prioritization and maintaining an action plan to achieve extraordinary success in the realm of technology and innovation.
Steve Jobs was not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a creative genius whose relentless pursuit of excellence transformed multiple industries. His journey from college dropout to one of the most influential figures in modern history is a testament to his exceptional ability to prioritize and execute his vision.
One of Jobs' key strengths was his keen sense of focus and clarity of purpose. He had a knack for identifying the most critical priorities and channeling his energy into pursuing them with unwavering determination. Jobs famously adhered to a minimalist philosophy, known as "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," which guided his approach to product design and innovation.
Throughout his career, Jobs maintained a laser-like focus on delivering products that not only met but exceeded customer expectations. He understood the importance of prioritizing user experience and functionality, which set Apple apart from its competitors and solidified its position as a leader in the technology industry.
Jobs' ability to prioritize effectively was evident in his leadership style as well. He surrounded himself with a team of talented individuals who shared his vision and empowered them to execute on their ideas with autonomy and accountability. This collaborative approach enabled Apple to innovate rapidly and bring revolutionary products to market, such as the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his career, including being ousted from Apple in the 1980s, Jobs never wavered in his commitment to his vision. He maintained a clear action plan, relentlessly pursuing his goals with passion and perseverance.
In the end, Jobs' disciplined approach to prioritization and action planning paid off handsomely, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest innovators of our time. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding priorities and maintaining a clear action plan to achieve extraordinary success in any endeavor.
In conclusion, Steve Jobs' life exemplifies the transformative power of understanding prioritization and maintaining an action plan to achieve visionary goals and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Further reading: Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson)
By reviewing these case studies above you can gain inspiration, seek clarity, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
1. Howard Hughes
The unfortunate story of Howard Hughes, the American business magnate, investor, aviator, and filmmaker illustrates the detrimental consequences of not understanding prioritization and failing to focus on the task at hand.
Howard Hughes was a brilliant and ambitious individual who amassed great wealth and achieved remarkable success in various fields. However, as his life progressed, Hughes became increasingly reclusive and eccentric, ultimately descending into a state of extreme isolation and mental decline.
Despite his immense talents and resources, Hughes' lack of prioritization and failure to maintain a clear action plan contributed to his downfall. He became notorious for his erratic behavior, obsession with secrecy, and inability to delegate responsibilities effectively.
As Hughes' empire grew, he found himself overwhelmed by the myriad demands on his time and attention. Rather than focusing on strategic priorities and delegating tasks to capable individuals, Hughes attempted to micromanage every aspect of his business ventures, leading to inefficiency, confusion, and ultimately, stagnation.
Furthermore, Hughes' reluctance to seek help or advice from others, coupled with his propensity for isolation, exacerbated his problems and isolated him from meaningful relationships and connections. His unchecked pursuit of perfectionism and control ultimately led to a deterioration of his mental and physical health, culminating in his tragic decline in later years.
Unfortunately Hughes' failure to prioritize effectively and delegate responsibilities ultimately undermined his success and led to a life marked by loneliness, isolation, and mental instability.
Further reading: Howard Hughes – His Life and Madness (Donald L. Barlett, James B. Steele)
2. King Louis XVI of France
King Louis XVI of France is an unfortunate story that begins with a young man who inherits the weight of the throne during a difficult time at only 20 years of age, and ends with his wife's and his own life taken.
Louis XVI ascended to the throne of France in 1774 at a time of great social and economic upheaval. The country was burdened by financial crisis, widespread poverty, and political discontent. Despite the urgent need for reform and decisive action, Louis XVI proved indecisive and unwilling to confront the pressing issues facing his kingdom.
One of Louis XVI's critical mistakes was his failure to prioritize the needs of the people and address the growing unrest within French society. Instead of taking proactive steps to address grievances and implement necessary reforms, Louis XVI remained passive, often distracted and indecisive, allowing the situation to deteriorate further.
As tensions escalated, Louis XVI's lack of effective action planning became increasingly evident. He vacillated between conflicting advice from advisors and ministers, unable to chart a clear course of action. His indecision only served to exacerbate the crisis and erode public confidence in his leadership.
Ultimately, Louis XVI's failure to understand prioritization and maintain a coherent action plan at a difficult time during the French Revolution led to his demise. The revolutionaries, fueled by years of frustration and inequality, overthrew the monarchy and executed Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette, in 1793.
The downfall of Louis XVI serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and indecision in leadership. Especially at times of heightened pressure, complexities and turmoil. His inability to prioritize effectively and take decisive action ultimately cost him his throne and his life, underscoring the importance of understanding prioritization and maintaining a clear action plan in times of crisis.
Further reading: The Life of Louis XVI (John Hardman)
By reviewing these cautionary case studies above you can heed their warnings, adjust to suit, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Strategic Review Worksheet from The Workbook for approaching any Action Plan related opportunities or challenges, guided by all key learnings from this section.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Action Plan: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
If you feel you are still in explore and discovery mode, continue onto Action Plan: Library.
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