Here we will detail a step-by-step guide for creating an effective action plan – with a well-designed plan and daily action, you can achieve virtually any goal you set out to accomplish.
Edit Steps
- 1Know Where You’re Going. Successful leaders and professionals understand a simple core concept: if you don’t know where you’re going, you’re likely to wind up anywhere.
- 2Be Specific. Not only must your goal be specific, but you must also create a specific intention as well as very specific tasks or steps that will move you toward the completion of that goal.
- 3Create Measurable Milestones. Once you have a clear picture of what you’re out to accomplish, as well as what targets you will need to hit throughout the time span of the project or period, the next step is to create measurable milestones.
- 4Make a List. Create a list and accompanying time line of specific action items or tasks to complete in order to hit those milestones.
- 5Break Large Tasks into Smaller, More Manageable Chunks. Some tasks or milestones may seem more daunting to achieve than others. That’s when it makes sense to break larger tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
- 6Put Time-lines on Everything. Without specific time frames and deadlines, work will definitely expand to fill the time allotted, and some tasks may never get completed.
- 7Create a Visual Representation - 'Once you’ve created your action items and set a specific time-line, the next step is to create some type of visual representation of your plan. You might use a flowchart, a Gantt chart, a spreadsheet, or some other type of business tool to accomplish this.
- 8Schedule out Your Accomplishments. Have each person involved, grab their schedule or day planner or smart phone and schedule out their accomplishments.
- 9Work Your Plan and Don’t Stop Until It’s Complete. Once your plan is established, shared with the team, and accomplishments are scheduled,the next step is simple: take daily action and follow up with responsible parties to ensure that everyone is doing their part.
- 10Change the Date if You Must, but Never Give up on the Goal. Occasionally, circumstances or unforeseen events can arise that throw a wrench in your ability to meet deadlines, complete tasks and achieve your goal. If this happens, do not get discouraged – revise your plan and continue working to meet targets and move forward.
Edit Tips
- Creating a powerful action plan always begins with having a clear purpose, vision or goal in mind. In fact, the action plan is designed to take you from wherever you are right now directly to the accomplishment of your stated goal.
- Measurable milestones might include net or gross earnings,sales volumes, number of units sold, new product rollouts, employee training,incentive programs, etc.
- The point of creating measurable milestones is to give you and your team smaller, more tangible goals and targets to work towards. This way, it’s easier to stay focused and to be encouraged by tangible results(especially if your goal is massive).
- Create milestones easily by starting at the end (the accomplishment of the goal) and working your way backwards to present day and circumstances.
Edit Warnings
No matter what action items you choose for which phase of your action plan, it is essential that a time frame be attached to absolutely everything. Without follow-up, too many things can slip through the cracks and get missed. In some cases, missing just one milestone can be enough to set your entire project behind, which means missing the mark for your goal. Regular follow-up is essential in order to prevent this.
Article Info
Last edited:
February 24, 2012 by PokeEvan
Categories:
Youth
Recent edits by: ShrUtiable, sree, Teresa (see all)
