Plain Simple Management

Thoughts on keeping things simple

PSM #11: The Task

PSM #11: The Task.

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Task

  • defintion
    • The task is the smallest practical unit of work in the plan.
    • The task is the basic building block for our plans.
    • A task represents the effort of one individual to produce an observable and necessary result.
  • Attributes
    • A plan is build on tasks.
      • These tasks are sequenced. These tasks are networked in dependent relationships. On the map from ehre to there, tasks are the intermediate stops--but not milestones. Milestones represent the completion of a significant and related collection of tasks representing some aggregate value or utility.
      • Tasks are SMART
      • They are specific.
        • Who, what, when, where, and why.
        • The why is important--it provides motivation!!
        • They are written. Remember planning is writing, not thinking.
      • They are measurable.
        • they have an evidence procedures, something to be measured.
        • Tasks allow us to track progress to our goals, since we can measure them.
      • They are attainable.
        • Ideally, taks are challenging to the assigned individual.
        • But they ware within the capabilities of the organization or person.
      • They are realistic.
        • Tasks are congruent with other goals.
        • Tasks are valuable to us.
      • Tasks are time based.
    • Tasks have effort associated with them.
      • Zero effort tasks are milestones.
      • From effort, we calculate the duration of the task.
      • From the duration and network, programs like Microsoft Project calculate start and end dates.
    • A task exists in one of sevral states.
      • Not started.
      • In progress.
      • Complete.
      • Late.
      • These states are observable.
  • The status of the plan is derived from the tasks.
    • Task % complete is irrelevant. It is difficult to estimate the degree to which a task is complete.
    • Any task in progress could take forever.
    • A plan is only as complete as the sum of its completed tasks.
      • example: 100 hrs effort. Completed tasks sum to 50 hours, then the plan is 50% complete.
  • Tasks ideally done by one person.
    • If assigned to one person, we can establish responsibility, authority, and accountability.
    • We must delegate responsibility, authority, and accountability.
    • If we don't, then the person assigned the tasks does not have the necessary tools to complete it.