Newsletter Archive

MARCH 2009

Creating an Action Plan That Works
     
Last month's newsletter explained how to use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable and Time-oriented) to make your career search more effective or to address a workplace challenge. Now that you are clear on what you want to achieve, it is time to develop an action plan.
 
Taking action is a challenge for many of my coaching clients. People often feel a sense of overwhelm which leads to paralysis. Unsure of where to even begin, individuals become frustrated and discouraged. They do nothing, or do too many things on an inconsistent basis and don't get results.
 
A good action plan focuses your efforts in a consistent way over a reasonable period of time. Individual action steps are small enough for you to manage and big enough to move you ahead. The plan is flexible enough that you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities. 
 
Most people (including neurotypicals!) need help with creating an action plan. If you are feeling "stuck," consider working with a coach or other professional to get a workable plan in place.
 
Each task in your action plan should be broken down into small, specific steps. The steps can be as detailed as necessary. My clients usually schedule their steps into a weekly calendar. If possible, ask someone to check in on your progress to make sure that you are following through. 
 
Here is a sample action plan used by John, who was mentioned in the February issue of this newsletter. John's SMART goal is: Within 6 months, get hired as an entry-level tax accountant in a mid- to large-size accounting firm in the metro-Boston area. One of his action items is networking with college alumni. This is how he made that task manageable.
 
Action Item: Network with college alumni

1. Write letter asking for their assistance with job leads
       a. Send draft of letter to 3 friends for feedback
       b. Finalize letter by the 12th
2. Get list of names from alumni office
       a. Call school on Tuesday
3. Mail 10 letters per week to contacts
       a. Get letters in the mail by Wednesday of each week
4. Create a spreadsheet with contact information for each alumnus for follow up
5. Schedule follow up calls for 5 to 7 days after mailing   
       a. Note on calendar who I need to call each day
6. Write a telephone script for follow up calls and practice it 
       a. Tape record my practice sessions 
       b. Practice the script during next coaching session
7. Prepare questions to ask during in-person meetings
       a. Review questions during next coaching session                       

This format can be used for each task in your action plan, whether you are exploring careers, looking for a job or trying to improve performance at your current place of employment.
 
If you have trouble organizing time and information, easily forget what you need to do, or are frequently overwhelmed, the right action plan can turn an "impossible" task into an achievable one.

© 2009 by Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching