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Crisis management Quote by Harold R. Kerzner

“The alternative to systematic planning is decision-making based on history. This generally results in reactive management leading to crisis management, conflict management, and fire fighting.” quote by Harold R. Kerzner
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““The alternative to systematic planning is decision-making based on history. This generally results in reactive management leading to crisis management, conflict management, and fire fighting.””

Harold R. Kerzner

About This Quote

Source Book: Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, 1995

Relying on past events for decisions leads to reactive, crisis‑driven management rather than proactive planning.

In simple terms: History‑based decisions cause crisis management.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize forward‑looking planning.

Themes

planning decision‑making risk

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

strategic cautionary

When to use this quote

  • strategic meetings
  • risk assessments
  • process reviews

Key Concepts

reactive management crisis historical bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • What proactive steps can you take today?
  • How do you balance past lessons with future uncertainty?
A Different Perspective

Historical data alone cannot predict future complexities.

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