Planning Methodology Pt. 2

Last week I posted my go-to planning methodology. If you are exploring a new project, you should start at the beginning of the process. However, here is a handy (though not extremely visually appealing) diagram to help you unstick projects that have been bogged down.

If your project seems to be stalling out at the implementation phase because of a lack of understanding about the direction, move up the process to earlier steps. You only need to go as far as you are stuck. For instance, if you feel like everyone fully understands the purpose but aren’t sure what a successful result of the project is, move back to the outcome visioning stage.

If, on the other hand, you think that the parameters and expectations are well-defined and you have lots of good, organized ideas, take some time to identify next actions and delegate to the appropriate team members.

Once you unstick the step that has tripped you up, you will probably naturally flow through the rest of the process. Because this is the model that we most generally use anyway, your brain should just work towards the solution on its own.