Planning: how to choose the best type and method
Planning is an essential part of any project. It allows you to organise the process as efficiently as possible, structure tasks and prevent risks. This approach works for both large and small companies. The more thoughtful the planning, the better the chances of success.
Every plan contains three essential elements: defining the starting point, the endpoint and the path to get there. There are many ways to organise this process. The main ones are:
- Short-term planning. The focus is on current problems and tasks. This option involves drawing up a path to an outcome with a deadline of up to a year.
- Long-term planning allows you to set goals for a longer period. It is most often concerned with implementing major projects and achieving major goals.
- Strategic planning. A business roadmap shows the company’s development path for 3-5 years.
- Operational planning improves business performance. It is responsible for organising and managing the company’s operational processes.
At any given time or for different tasks, a company may use any of the above options.
What to consider when making a plan
There are basic principles that, if applied, will improve the effectiveness of planning. The first is coherence. Each team member must understand the objectives and be prepared to achieve them.
Another important point is consistency. Only by adjusting the result or priorities can deviation from the plan occur. Otherwise, the risk of task failure increases. At the same time, the plan should remain flexible to be changed if necessary.
In addition, each step should be detailed and timed. Ultimate clarity will increase productivity and efficiency.
Planning methods
Planning methods can also be varied. One popular method is the calendar, which links tasks to specific dates. This method involves arranging activities within a given time frame.
The opposite is a roadmap, where the priority is the outcome, not the deadline.
A Gantt chart combines the two approaches. It combines tasks with deadlines for their completion. Because of its lack of specificity, this option is better considered an additional tool.
The Eisenhower matrix organises processes according to the criteria:
- important and urgent tasks;
- important but not urgent;
- unimportant but urgent;
- unimportant and non-urgent.
This method works well for short-term planning.
The main mistakes in developing a plan are misjudging deadlines and priorities. It is better to allow 20-30% more time for each stage. This will protect your team from force majeure. As for priorities, they should be based on the main goal and the tasks that bring it closer.
