Creating an Incremental Change Plan
Creating something new is inherently challenging. However, complex situations become more manageable when we blend the right attitude, planning fundamentals, and direct communications.
FUNDAMENTAL 1: SELECT Your Perspective
The ability to consciously shift one's viewpoint is a remarkably potent skill, similar to adjusting the lens of a camera to capture different perspectives. A detailed, zoomed-in view is invaluable when precision and depth are required, such as in analyzing data, proofreading a document, or understanding the intricacies of a complex problem. A zoomed-out, big-picture perspective is crucial for strategic planning, understanding overarching themes or trends, and maintaining a balanced view of life's challenges.
Mastering this skill is not innate; it is cultivated through practice and mindfulness. In many cases, it’s best to zoom WAY out to see the full picture of the situation without being distracted with the details. This allows us to see the most important goals and considerations.
FUNDAMENTAL 2: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
The principle of documenting everything cannot be overstated in its importance. This mantra, which I frequently repeat, is vital for several reasons.
Thorough documentation ensures alignment among all team members. It acts as a shared blueprint, guiding everyone towards a common understanding and objective. This alignment is crucial in complex projects where miscommunication can lead to significant setbacks.
Documentation fosters a culture of accountability. When every decision, discussion, and action step is recorded, it becomes easier to track progress and identify who is responsible for what. This clarity not only helps in managing tasks efficiently but also in holding team members accountable for their responsibilities, thereby enhancing overall productivity and commitment to the project goals.
Documentation serves as an invaluable reference point. In the midst of a project, it's common for discussions to diverge or for the team to lose sight of the primary goal. Having a well-documented plan allows for quick recalibration, helping to refocus efforts and discussions back to the main objective. It acts as a compass, keeping the project on track even when distractions or challenges arise.
Well-maintained documentation is a learning tool. It allows teams to review and analyze what was done, what worked well, and what could be improved. This retrospective analysis is essential for continuous improvement and for building a knowledge base that can inform future projects.
My grandpa always said, “JL, always write everything down and date it. It will help you in countless ways.”
My preferred method is using presentation slides because they:
Highlight one topic at a time
Enable a flowing narrative that can pivot as needed
Integrate text and visuals
Adapt for different audiences
FUNDAMENTAL 3: PROACTIVE PLANNING
Thorough planning and considering steps beforehand earn respect from superiors and colleagues. It demonstrates initiative and a commitment to progress over comfort, without the fear of presenting an imperfect idea.
FUNDAMENTAL 4: OPEN & FLEXIBLE
Equally important is the willingness to adapt based on feedback from superiors. Embrace their guidance, seek to understand their reasoning, and don't hesitate to ask questions. This approach is about learning and adapting, not just being right.
SLIDE 1: CLARIFYING OBJECTIVES
Never overlook this step. Clearly state your objectives, incorporating as many SMART elements as possible:
Specific, not vague
Measurable when possible
Actionable
Realistic
Time-bound
Ensure your slide reflects the directive from your superior accurately to avoid confusion during presentations.
SLIDE 2: IDENTIFYING DEPENDENCIES
This slide, while optional, is crucial when your project has sequential steps. Highlighting these dependencies early on prevents unproductive discussions. Challenge these dependencies to refine your logic and broaden your perspective.
SLIDE 3: SPOTTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERLAP
This slide contrasts dependencies by highlighting tasks that can proceed independently. It's about identifying chances to progress without being hindered by other tasks, offering a sense of freedom and expansion.
SLIDE 4: PHASE 1 GOAL
Focus here on the most achievable, impactful goal. Determine the simplest goal that indicates basic functionality, then list and prioritize easy goals, highlighting those directly contributing to the overall objective.
For instance, in a sales process aiming for $10,000 in revenue, prioritize tasks like adding leads to a database over obtaining certifications, which, while beneficial, don't directly drive sales.
SLIDE 5: PARKING LOT IN APPENDIX
After setting the initial goal, list future tasks in a "parking lot" section. This keeps ideas on the radar without detracting from current priorities.
SLIDE 6: OUTLINING PHASES
Define major steps and their timelines, akin to an athlete's training progression. For a sales process, this might look like:
PHASE 1: Building the Lead Database
PHASE 2: Testing Sales Messages
PHASE 3: Refinement and Expansion
PHASE 4: Full-Speed Implementation
Use visuals to make this clear and tie specific dates to each phase, illustrating the benefits of a phased approach.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Creating something new, while inherently filled with challenges, is significantly streamlined when we effectively blend the right attitude, planning strategies, and effective communications. The fundamentals outlined are not just steps in a process; they are simple ways to build excitement instead of overwhelm.
