Creating a plan to implement a strategy can represent a great deal of stress for some people. Once the steps in the plan have been set out, a review of the process formulated is carried out before the plan is implemented. Implementing a plan to solve a problem is very similar to what a project manager does when formulating a plan to construct a new building, build a computer system or implement a change management programme.

The job of being a project manager has a number of phases used to formulate how a project will be executed. A good project manager uses a combination of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques in order to implement each stage or phase of a project management plan. Looking at how a plan or strategy to solve a problem can use a similar set of criteria.

1. What is the goal to be achieved? (Initiation)

During the early stages of creating a plan, there are many questions to be answered.  Are the relevant resources available including skills, knowledge and experience to complete the plan.  The goals of the project are clearly defined.

2. What other detail or issues must be carried out to allow the goal be completed? (Planning)

During the planning stage, developing a roadmap using goals that are S.M.A.R.T. and C.L.E.A.R. is essential.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals – provide a way to understand the goals being set:

Specific – To set specific goals, answer the following questions: who, what, where, when, which, and why.
Measurable – Create criteria that you can use to measure the success of a goal.
Attainable – Identify the most important goals and what it will take to achieve them.
Realistic – You should be willing and able to work toward a particular goal.
Timely – Create a timeframe to achieve the goal.

C.L.E.A.R. Goals are a new way of achieving a goal

Collaborative – Many goals are easier to achieve with the help of other people.
Limited – They should be limited in scope and time to keep it manageable.
Emotional – By tapping into the emotions of people involved will increase the quality of work achieved when they have a personal involvement; like tuning into the radio station WIIFM (What’s in it for me?)
Appreciable – Larger goals may need to be broken down into smaller tasks that can be achieved in a shorter time frame
Refinable – Be flexible and roll with the punches. Revise and refine goals as plans change.

3. What work is to be carried out and are there other people to be involved? (Execution)

There can be lots of tasks to be carried out – and ensuring that plans are executed in accordance with the time frame and detail is essential.

4. How will the work be controlled and monitored? (Monitoring and Controlling)

When implementing a plan for a project, what are the objectives?  How do you monitor the performance to ensure the plan is being implemented in accordance with the original goals.

5. Goal achieved. (Project closure)

Once the goal has been achieved, are there any further steps required to be implemented to finalise the goal?

The work to implement a plan can be a very unnerving and fearsome task for a person without the necessary skills and experience.   Our team can create a solution for you that will include the implementation of a strategy.   Schedule a time to discuss your situation today.