Plain Simple Management

Thoughts on keeping things simple

PSM #08: The Plan

Podcast #8: The Plan.

(download)

This podcast discusses plans and planning, offers 3 strategies for developing a plan, and suggests Pareto's law applies to the planning process.

Please provide your feedback. Notes follow. Plans

  • Discussion with Vision statement
    • really axle wrapped.
    • merits own podcast
    • Reflecting, I made it too complex
    • This is Plain Simple Management
  • Simple Definition: A plan is a map to go from the current state to an end state
    • One now
    • Infinite thens
  • Current state: inventory of where we ae now
  • End state: where we want to be
    • Yep., it is SMART too
  • How to develop a plan:
    • Why aren't we there now?
      • What are the obstacles?
      • Remove the obstacles!
    • From now to then
      • Sequential progress from here to there
    • Sometimes to far
      • Start at end and work backward
      • End at the present
      • the map is the reverse
  • Use the 80/20 rule
    • 80% of progress comes from 20% of effort
    • Do the inportant 80% first
      • 80% may be enough
    • End states do change
      • competition
      • exogenous factors
        • Economy
        • Politics
        • Burnout
      • change in values: Mission, Vision Statement
  • Strategic and Tactical
    • Seems it is a matter of time
    • Short term are tactical
      • Less prone to external factors
      • Affected by internal factors
    • Long term are strategic
      • More factors affect the plan
      • require larger scope of examinaiton
  • Another Definition: a sequence of tasks move the entity from the current state to the end state
  • Next podcast will talk about tasks
  • www.PlainSimpleManagement.com
  • Want your feedback
    • please go to the website and comment

 

PSM #07: The Vision Statement

Podcast #7: The Vision Statement.

(download)

The Vision Statement is a collection of goals that, when accomplished, demonstrate the accomplishment of our mission.

Notes follow. Vision Statement

  • Long term
  • Consistent with Mission statement
    • defines what it takes to achieve our mission
  • Is SMART
    • specific--as it can be in the long term
    • Measurable
    • Attainable
    • Realistic
    • Time-based
  • Is factorable into operational objectives--goals
  • goals
    • long range
    • intermediate
    • short term
  • plans are a way to accomplish goal[s]
    • Strategic and tactical
  • Strategic Plans
    • lead to accomplishment of vision statement
    • recognize internal capabilities, or what can be
    • recognize the external environment
      • competition
      • trends
    • flexible-since they are long term
    • sustainable
    • A plan to accomplish incremental goals to reach the desired end goal, the articulated vision.