sexta-feira, 20 de junho de 2025

The power of planning: a journey from antiquity to modernity


            How science, theater, and strategic vision shape the future of organizations and society

In a world of constant transformation, strategic planning is the compass that guides leaders and teams toward success. From the military tactics of antiquity to the innovative methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, discover how planning is, above all, an act of courage, creativity, and vision.


Strategic planning is much more than a set of goals and deadlines; it is the art of envisioning the future with clarity and acting with purpose in the present. From the earliest days of civilization, when military leaders like Sun Tzu devised strategies to win battles, to modern boardrooms where teams chart the course of global organizations, strategic planning has been the backbone of human progress. In The Art of War, Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of knowing the terrain and the enemy, a principle that today translates into market analysis and the definition of clear objectives. This age-old practice has evolved, incorporating science, technology, and even elements of theater, as seen in the methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, which connect planning with creativity and expression.

Motivational Quote: “Growth is not merely a process of learning, but of creating oneself.” – Carl Rogers

The origin of strategic planning dates back to ancient civilizations, where strategy was essential for survival. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, logistical planning for building the pyramids required precise coordination of resources and labor. Studies from the University of Cambridge (2019) highlight that these ancient practices already included elements of risk analysis and resource allocation, foundations of modern planning. Over the centuries, the concept gained sophistication. In the 20th century, Peter Drucker, considered the father of modern management, formalized strategic planning as an organizational tool, emphasizing the importance of clear and measurable objectives. Today, strategic planning is an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, psychology, and even performing arts, as demonstrated by the innovative work of Antônio Carlos dos Santos.

Curiosity Box:
The Roots of Strategic Planning

  • Origin: Military strategies of Sun Tzu (5th century BC) and logistical tactics in Ancient Egypt.
  • Evolution: In the 20th century, Peter Drucker introduced the concept of “management by objectives.”
  • Curiosities: The word “strategy” comes from the Greek strategos, meaning “general” or “military leader.”

Modern science has brought a new dimension to strategic planning. Research from Stanford University (2021) shows that the human brain processes strategic decisions by activating areas related to anticipation and problem-solving, such as the prefrontal cortex. This explains why effective planning requires not only logic but also intuition and creativity. Antônio Carlos dos Santos, in his Quasar K+ Strategic Planning methodology, proposes an approach that integrates rational analysis with artistic expression. Inspired by theater, Quasar K+ encourages leaders to visualize future scenarios as if they were directors of a play, where each decision is a carefully rehearsed scene. This connection between science and art makes planning more dynamic and engaging.

Practical Tip:
To start planning strategically, break the process into three steps: analysis (understand the context), vision (define the objective), and action (create concrete steps). Use tools like the SWOT matrix to organize your ideas.

The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology, developed by Santos, is another example of how planning can be transformative. MAT combines the development of a strategic mindset with practical actions and theatrical elements, such as improvisation, to foster creativity. A practical case is the use of MAT in companies seeking to innovate in competitive markets. For example, a tech startup in Silicon Valley applied theatrical techniques to simulate crisis scenarios, resulting in a more robust plan to face uncertainties. Studies from the Harvard Business Review (2020) confirm that creative approaches in planning increase organizational resilience by up to 30%, highlighting the relevance of methodologies like Santos’s.

Inspiring Story:
Nelson Mandela, during his years in prison, strategically planned the fight against apartheid. He used his time in confinement to visualize speeches and actions that would unify South Africa, showing that planning can transform even the most adverse situations.

The Theater Movement (ThM), another creation by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, uses bodily movement as a planning tool. Inspired by physical theater, ThM proposes that leaders “stage” their strategies, using gestures and postures to internalize objectives. This approach is supported by neuroscience studies, such as those from the University of Oxford (2022), which show that bodily movement reinforces memory and decision-making. For instance, a marketing team that used ThM to plan an advertising campaign reported greater clarity in visualizing the emotional impact of their ideas. This methodology demonstrates how strategic planning can be a sensory, not just intellectual, experience.

Motivational Quote:
“Education is the progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” – John Dewey

The Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT), also developed by Santos, is a playful approach that uses puppets to teach strategic planning. This methodology is particularly effective in educational and community settings, where the simplicity of puppet theater engages diverse audiences. In a project in Brazil, MBPT was used to teach small entrepreneurs to plan their businesses, resulting in a 25% increase in the sustainability of microenterprises, according to a study by FGV (2023). The playful approach facilitates the communication of complex ideas, as explored in Santos’s book Strategic Communication: The Art of Speaking Well, which examines how oratory can enhance planning.

Curiosity Box:
Antônio Carlos dos Santos’s Methodologies

  • Quasar K+: Integrates rational analysis and theatrical creativity to plan future scenarios.
  • MAT: Combines strategic mindset, practical action, and theatrical improvisation.
  • ThM: Uses bodily movement to reinforce strategic decisions.
  • MBPT: Teaches planning through puppet theater, ideal for diverse audiences.

The impact of strategic planning extends beyond organizations. It shapes societies and economies. A UNESCO study (2021) highlights that countries with a strong planning culture, such as Singapore and Germany, exhibit greater economic growth and social stability. In Brazil, strategic planning has been crucial for the development of public policies and private initiatives. Santos’s book Breathing, Voice, and Diction offers techniques for leaders to communicate their strategies clearly, reinforcing the importance of oratory in planning. The ability to articulate a clear vision is as critical as the strategy itself, as it inspires teams and aligns efforts.

Practical Tip:
Practice strategic communication by recording your ideas and analyzing their clarity. Use pauses and intonations to convey confidence and engage your team.

Writing also plays a central role in strategic planning. In the book Moving Letters: The Art of Writing Well, Antônio Carlos dos Santos explores how clear and persuasive writing can turn plans into reality. A practical example is the use of strategic narratives in corporate reports, which help align stakeholders. A study from MIT Sloan School (2022) shows that companies investing in clear written communication are 15% more likely to successfully implement strategies. Writing, like theater, is a tool for emotional connection, essential for engaging teams and communities.

Inspiring Story:
Malala Yousafzai strategically planned her campaign for women’s education, using short, impactful speeches to mobilize the world. Her approach shows how planning, combined with communication, can change realities.

Strategic planning, at its core, is an act of hope and responsibility. It challenges us to look to the future with boldness but also with humility, recognizing uncertainties and learning from them. The methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, such as Quasar K+, MAT, ThM, and MBPT, show that planning is also a creative act, blending science, art, and humanity. By integrating neuroscience, theater, and communication, Santos reminds us that strategic planning is not just about achieving goals but about building a more just and inspiring future for all.

Motivational Quote:
“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” – Anísio Teixeira

Acesse os livros de Antônio Carlos dos Santos na amazon.com ou na amazon.com.br 

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https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos



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