ActionPlansThatWork

Creating action plans that work!

This explanation is not meant to be the guide to the most complete and comprehensive action plan. It is an approach to creating action plans that should serve you well in a practical manner that enables you to make clear and measurable commitments towards achieving SMART objectives. As mentioned in the previous article "Creating Your Success Story", setting S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives is where your success story (vision) gets translated into goals for which you can create actionable steps.

The basic format is as follows:

Who will do what by when so that what can happen (why)?

Step 1: Establish a specific objective (your overarching why)

Step 2: Determine what must be done for a specific
objective to be achieved

Step 3: Describe why each specific action is needed
(“…so that what can happen”)

Step 4: Define who must do each what (this might well
be mostly you if this action is your personal
development/success plan)

Step 5: Commit to achievable timings or timelines for
when, what will be done, by who

Step 6: Consider and evaluate your plan holistically

Take an integrated look at all objectives and actions
planned, together with timelines, to ensure that the plan
is practically doable, and valuable to you. Does your plan
inspire, move and touch you? If not, you need to prepare
yourself for high levels of commitment and perseverance
to ensure success in actions that do not enthuse you.

You may need to prioritise objectives in order to
successfully achieve your most important ones without
becoming overburdened with unrealistic objectives and
expectations that are too difficult to achieve simultaneously with the resources available to you.

Example Action Plan: Enhancing Leadership Abilities for Senior Management Role

Step 1: Establish a Specific Objective (Your Why)

Objective: To develop advanced leadership skills and strategic thinking to be eligible for a senior management role within the next 12-18 months.

Step 2: Determine What Must Be Done for the Specific Objective to be Achieved

Action Steps:
1. Research potential leadership development programs or executive education courses focused on strategic leadership.
2. Enrol in a suitable leadership development program or executive education course focused on strategic leadership.
3. Complete the leadership course in 2024.
4. Seek mentorship from a current senior manager or executive within the company.
5. Lead a cross-departmental project to gain broader organizational experience.
6. Regularly seek feedback from peers and superiors to identify areas for improvement.

Step 3: Describe why each specific action is needed

Purpose:
1. Research potential leadership courses – so that I can make the best choice for my needs, resources and preferences.
2. Enrol in a suitable leadership course – so that I can grow my leadership skills through a good theory base and accredited academic institution.
3. Complete the leadership course in 2024 – so that I can apply my learnings and make a positive impact and demonstrate my capabilities as soon as possible to be eligible for a senior management role within 12-18 months.
4. Identify and approach a potential mentor in the organization – so that I can get guidance on my efforts in applying my leadership learnings.
5. Propose and take the lead on a new project that involves multiple departments – so that I can learn to apply my learnings and demonstrate my leadership capability.
6. Schedule monthly feedback sessions with peers and a quarterly review with a superior – to learn from feedback on how other perceive my leadership capabilities and approach.

Step 4: Define Who Must Do Each What

Assignments:
1. Self: Research suitable leadership courses.
2. Self: Enrol in a suitable leadership course.
3. Self: Complete the leadership course
4. Self: Identify and approach a potential mentor in the organization.
5. Self: Propose and take the lead on a new project that involves multiple departments.
6. Self: Schedule monthly feedback sessions with peers and a quarterly review with a superior.

Step 5: Commit to Achievable Timings or Timelines for When, What Will Be Done, by Who

Timeline:
1. Research leadership courses by 31 January 2024
2. Enrol in a leadership course by 10 February 2024.
3. Complete the leadership course by 31 July 2024.
4. Secure a mentorship agreement by 28 February 2024.
5. Initiate the cross-departmental project by 1 July 2024 and lead it through its completion.
6. Establish a regular feedback mechanism by 1 February 2024 and maintain it throughout.

Step 6: Consider and Evaluate Your Plan Holistically

Evaluation:
- Feasibility: The workload and time commitment required for each action step is manageable alongside current responsibilities.
- Value and Impact: Each action step directly contributes to the development of my leadership skills necessary for a senior management role.
- Inspiration and Commitment: Each step aligns with my personal career aspirations and motivation for growth. I am enthusiastic to embark on this action plan!
- Prioritization: I will focus primarily on the leadership course and mentorship in the initial phases, as these are foundational to leadership development.

Final Considerations

I will:

Regularly review and adjust the action plan as needed based on progress and feedback.
Stay open to additional opportunities for leadership development that may arise during this period.
Document learnings and experiences throughout the process to present as evidence of leadership growth when applying for senior management roles.

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