Planning is a continuous process that has four stages:
1. Developing a Concept
2. Creating an Initial Plan
3. Actioning the Plan
4. Reviewing the Plan
The Developing a Concept stage of planning is when we consider many ways of achieving a goal. Some ideas are written down, but many are in people’s heads. Ideas are usually expressed as broad tasks with little detail of the specific actions required to achieve the goal.
The Creating an Initial Plan stage selects a viable approach and details the specific actions required to achieve the goal. A particular concept is chosen and actions required are moved from people’s heads into a form (usually written) that can be understood by all stakeholders. When developing the initial plan, changes can be incorporated with minimal disruption and risk.
The Actioning the Plan stage is when work is actually being done to achieve the goal. The end of the Actioning stage is when the goal is achieved.
The Reviewing the Plan stage occurs after the goal has been achieved. The plan is reviewed for lesson learnt and to create a template for future plans with the same goal. Templates save a lot of time and effort in planning future tasks. Templates also hold a lot of know-how that underpins continuous improvement.
The key is that each stage is addressed and seamlessly connected.
TASKey has developed web and mobile browser software that makes the four stages of planning easy to apply. By seamlessly connecting the four stages, tasks, actions and people achieving business goals is more predictable and manageable.