Planning is of utmost importance in a leader’s mind. Nothing happens without a good plan, and a good plan requires well-established goals and objectives. As the New Leaders Program is in its pilot years, getting organized has been a challenge for many of its participants. I thought I would share a helpful resource for creating and sticking to a good plan of action, whatever your goal may be.
When I get organized, I try to be S.M.A.R.T.: Specific (concrete, detailed, well defined), Measureable (numbers, quantity, comparison), Achievable (feasible, actionable), Realistic (considering resources) and Time-Bound (a defined time line). The following are some questions you may ask yourself when creating a plan of action to attain your goal in the most efficient manner:
Specific
- WHAT am I going to do? This is best written using strong, action verbs such as conduct, develop, build, plan, execute, etc. This helps your objective to be action-orientated and focuses on what’s most important.
- WHY is this important for me to do?
- WHO is going to do what? Who else needs to be involved?
- WHEN do I want this to be completed?
- HOW am I going to do this?
Measurable
- What exactly is it that I am trying to achieve?
- How will I know that a change has occurred?
- Can these measurements be obtained?
- What documentation will I have to show for this venture?
Achievable
- Can I get it done in the proposed timeframe?
- Do I understand the limitations and constraints?
- Can I do this with the resources I have?
- Has anyone else done this successfully?
Realistic
- Do I have the resources available to achieve this objective?
- Do I need to revisit priorities to make this happen?
- Is it possible to achieve this objective?
Time-Bound
- When will this objective be accomplished?
- What short-term objectives can I set for myself to make this happen?
"Good leaders create a vision, articulate the vision,
passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion."
- Jack Welch