What is an Action Plan?
An action plan is the checklist that you create to achieve your goals and manage your projects. It is essential that you put together an action plan, whether you are working on a team assignment or a personal mission.
Once you determine what the most important steps to completing the project is prioritize them based on importance and add an action step.
Keep it simple & practical:
Who – assign who oversees each task
What – decide the tools & resources best for the job
Where – it is easier than ever to share documents and work remotely but sometimes you just need to be in the same room to get it done
When – every step needs a deadline
Why – “failing to plan is planning to fail” – Benjamin Franklin
Utilizing SMART will help you with this process. It is widely used for a reason. (Being that it is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals).
Specific – the goal needs to be clearly stated & well defined
Measurable – track progress by including measurable indicators
Action oriented – must be attainable using available resources
Realistic – tasks & milestones must be relevant to the end result
Time based – you will never cross the finish line if you do not set task deadlines
Keep moving forward. Your action plan is your accountability to getting the job done and seeing your dreams become reality. If you are not making progress, review your plan. The tactics that you chose may not be results oriented.
Suggested steps to designing your action plan:
1. Define your goal
SMART
2. Create a list
Browse online for a template, create your own or better yet, click here and use this one!
3. Deadlines
Review & reorganize the list setting attainable deadlines
4. Schedule activities
Milestones are important mini goals & tasks that keep you motivated an on track
5. Budget
If there are any financial obligations or restrictions, you need to know & track
6. Communicate
Ensure everyone can visualize the plan.
Flowchart, table, task owners, deadlines should all be understandable and available at a glance.
Evaluate the progress work together to update completed tasks and bring attention to any delays, issues, and update plan accordingly.
Click here for the SMART worksheet. 3-pages to help you put all this to work today!