Once you’ve completed the ‘DO IT’ process detailed in last week’s blog, and you’re at the T – transform stage, you’ll need to set up an action plan to implement the steps you’ve decided on.
Action plans are great for small projects that you carry out every day, as well larger projects, that you may only do once. They help you make sure you don’t forget anything vital, which, if forgotten, could ruin your whole plan. Making an action plan helps you work out what needs to be done, what order they need to be done in and how long you may need to complete each of the tasks, so that you can get it all done by your deadline.
Setting up an action plan is pretty simple really – it’s a three step process:
Step 1 – Start by writing down all the tasks you need to complete to reach your goal. You should think this through logically, writing down the first task you’ll have to do in the process. Once that’s complete, what do you think comes next? Do this until the process is finished. Whilst you are doing this, keep in mind your deadline and how long you think you’ll need to complete each of the parts of the process. It’s also useful to factor in other people too. What I mean by this is, if you’re going to need the help of others to complete certain parts of the process, are they available at the right time and for the amount of time you think you might need?
Step 2 – Now you’ve got your list of tasks, let’s take another look at it. Are there any steps you could take out and still achieve your goal? Could you delegate any of the tasks to another member of your team? Are there any resources you need that have to be ready in advance? For example, a room for presenting your ideas at the end of the project or equipment you need to carry out the tasks you’ll be doing to complete the action plan.
Step 3 – While you are completing the tasks in your action plan, keep the list by you and mark them off as you go. You can also add, move or delete tasks as you need to. This way you can keep on top of where you are up to and clearly see what still needs to be done.
When the transformation is complete and the changes have been implemented, don’t throw your action plan away. Keep it to use it as a template the next time you want to carry out some changes.
If you use the ‘DO IT’ method, do let us know how it goes. And, if you have any other methods you use when you need to make changes, please let me know so I can pass on the benefit of your experience to our other students.
