7 Ps (military adage)

The 7 Ps is a US Marine Corps & 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 acronym (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
• Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
• (5P's) Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
• (4P's) Poor Preparation Poor Performance

Other quotes that address planning contrasting crisis results variations are:

• "If you fail to plan, then you plan to Fail." - John L. Beckley, Founder of The Economics Press, Inc. and author
• "A lack of planning on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part." - SSgt Chad Sommers, USMC

See also

• Project planning