7 Ps (military adage)
The 7 Ps is a British Army adage for:
- Proper
- Planning and
- Preparation
- Prevents
- Piss
- Poor
- Performance.
The 7 Ps are normally referred to as "the 7 Ps" rather than as an initialism (i.e. PPPPPPP). Educators and trainers in military or civilian situations find it useful to first introduce the phrase "the 7 Ps". When it is explained, the humour and shock of the mild expletive help make the adage memorable. This adage is often used in project planning, or when training for life-or-death situations.
Other versions of the 7 Ps
- Piss Poor Planning Promotes Piss Poor Performance
Over time, the phrase has also been modified to include the word 'practice' in order to better fit certain scenarios. For example:
- Proper Planning and Practice Prevents Piss Poor Performance
- (6Ps) Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
- Proper Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Poor Performance
- Prior Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Poor Performance
- Positive Pre-Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Poor Performance
- Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
- Proper Planning and Practice Prevents Piss Poor Performance