Practice makes pathetic

I had a chance to hear Pat Sullivan, CEO of Sovereign Bank New England speak last week regarding the state of the Economy. The most interesting portion to me pertained to the results of a survey of over 7000 business customers. They were asked to prioritize the most important concerns to their business - ONE. 60+% growing my business TWO. 20+% retaining and finding the right people THREE. 10+% making sure my people are adequately trained to compete.
That said I couldn't help wondering - do most of these business owners and leaders spend 60% of their time and revenue on point one or do their concerns not match their reality?
During the Civil war General McLellan drilled his troops relentlessly, practicing formations, marches and maneuvers. He was inspired by watching thousands of troops marching to and fro at his command - no doubt a beautiful sight! One problem,most of the battles that these men would fight were not going to be on an open and level field. Most of the time the General would have to give orders without knowing where his men were, hidden by trees and smoke. All of that practice only instilled frustration where these best of plans were foiled.
As a business leader think about that 60% and examine whether or not you are practicing a plan that will make perfect and not pathetic!