project delivery Archives - Dennis Fassett

Notes From a Long Career

The First Plan Is Always Wrong

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 Dennis Fassett0Tagged decision making, execution vs planning, forecasting risk, leadership lessons, planning mistakes, project delivery, project management, real world execution

I’ve always loved this quote first uttered by a Prussian Field Marshal 155 years ago and often repeated: “No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy.” Everyone nods when they hear it. Then they go right back to treating the plan like it’s gospel. Especially the less experienced crowd. You see it all the […]

I’m pleased to report that after multiple decades of hard-headed stubbornness, I’ve finally figured out that all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy. So I’ve taken it upon myself to convert my wife and now adult(ish) kids into a roving band of merry adventurers.

From horseback riding in Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon to ocean kayaking in Acadia – all of our exploits have earned the coveted “epic” label from the younguns.

I’ll tell you about them – and also about the other “adventures” I’m having in my real estate investing business and my day job.

You can also find me over at DennisBuysHouses.com.