The goal setting process is a crucial part of a manager’s job.
Successful bosses know that setting goals goes beyond simply identifying clear objectives for each of their employees.
They need to ensure that those individual targets make sense for both their team’s and their company’s overall strategy.
But the goal setting process doesn’t end there. Once goals are selected, it’s essential to create action plans for each of them.
An action plan is a list of tasks pointing toward the same goal. It outlines exactly how each of your employees will go about achieving their goals.
Here are five tips to developing an effective action plan:
1. Set milestones for each goal
Start by asking every employee to explain how they plan on meeting each of their goals. Have them work backwards from the desired outcome to set milestones.
A milestone is a small task or sub-objective that is part of a larger project. It serves as a measurable progress marker.
2. List the tasks related to those milestones
Keep working backwards. Help your employee identify the actions, routines, and processes needed to reach each milestone. This is similar to making a “to-do” list, only more detailed. What’s the timeline for each task? Which resources are required?
3. Identify all collaborators
Whose help will your employee need to complete each of their tasks?
Write each of those people into the action plan, listing their specific roles and responsibilities, as well as when they will be needed.
4. Ask for feedback
Once you’ve developed the action plans for your employee’s goals, remember to ask the person if there are areas of the plans with which they are uncomfortable.
Where could you provide some coaching to fill gaps and help them overcome blockers?
5. Check in regularly
From there, the last step is to establish a check-in cadence with the employee. Determine exactly what kind of information you should expect to receive at each of these check-ins.
Take the next steps:
Action plans are the transition between thought and concrete action. So set your strategies in motion by creating detailed plans for your employees.
They’ll be better prepared to work toward their goals, and you’ll be better equipped to monitor their progress.
