Steps of The Planning Process
What should be accomplished in the scope of this plan? How will this fit into the organization's overall "Should Be" situation? Create a picture of what you want the outcome to be and how others would benefit.
Step #2: As Is
Determine the reality of the current situation. Where are you today? Leaders make a thorough estimate of the situation both internally and externally to obtain a clear understanding of the factors that might help or hinder their efforts and enable them to set realistic goals.
Step #3: Goals
Define and set the goals. Leaders know that without realistic goals, the organization will drift. Realistic goals form the basis for most important management decisions. Leaders know that without goals, people will be "task-oriented" rather than "results-oriented." Leaders give careful attention to setting realistic, reasonable, challenging, attainable goals. These are separated into "bite-sized" pieces, which may be assigned to individuals in line with the particular skills and abilities needed to achieve them. This makes these goals less formidable and brings them down to a level where they may be more readily accomplished. They know that achieving day-to-day goals must contribute appropriately toward achieving intermediate and long-range goals.
Step #4: Action Steps
Work out a definite program, including action steps. Leaders realize that the setting of realistic goals is but one step of the planning process. Many limes, goals fall short of achievement because effective workable programs and plans of action to achieve these goals are not carefully throughout and formulated. Follow-up plans and programs can assure achievement of desired results if attended to on a consistent and continuing basis. Leaders must teach their team members how to plan effectively to achieve assigned goals.
In formulating definite programs and plans of action to achieve prescribed goals, leaders need to involve team members so that everyone will clearly understand:
• The requirements for achieving set goals
• Who will do which part of each job
• How the different parts tie together
• The conditions that will help and hinder goal achievement
• Timing—when plans and ideas should be put into effect
• How all functions are coordinated properly
Determine methods to be used. Leaders who consistently turn in an outstanding performance record leave nothing to chance. They consistently search for the best methods to get programs and plans of action translated into desired results.
Step #5: Cost
Estimate the cost of the plan. Because all managerial activities must be cost effective, all plans must take into consideration the costs of people, material, and time.
Step #6: Timetables
Set timetables. The work to be done should be programmed so that each phase will be achieved at a prescribed time. Deadline dates should be set so that all concerned will be aware of them and will strive to meet them.
Step #7: Implementation
Plans are implemented by seeing that all persons concerned understand their part in the total undertaking, commit themselves to the achievement of the agreed-upon results, and act in a unified, concerted manner to put the plan into effect.
Step #8: Follow-up
Concentrate on essentials. Successful managers turn in consistently good achievement records by maintaining effective performance measurement systems that show deviations from the expected results and by assuring that corrective action is taken when deviations do occur. They do not become too involved in the specific details but concentrate on those factors that are critical to the success of the project. Their focus is on the factors that might interfere with achieving desired results, and they are alert to indicators which warn them of potential problems. in this way, corrective action can be taken and the goals achieved.
