Looking for some help to get your project underway? No matter the type of project, there's a few fundamentals to creating successful project plans, to help ensure good process and great outcomes. Here's a few simple but important concepts to consider.
Be clear on your Why?
Why do this? What's the purpose?
This is fundamental to the success of your project and should be the first thing agreed upon. It is the reason for being, your purpose for undertaking the work. Spend time clarifying this and ensure there is agreement before moving to the next step.
Tip: while 'making more money' or 'getting buy in' might feel like a good why, consider the motivation behind this. Why do you wish to make more money? Why do you want people to buy in? Asking why five times can help distill your thinking to identify a clear purpose.
What is it exactly you want?
While the why provides a vision or reason for doing, the what is specific. What exactly do you wish to create? What is the desired outcome? e.g., are you wanting to develop a strategy (a plan of action)? Build a playground? Perhaps develop more agility in your business? Once again, get clear on what you want to produce (and why!)
Tip: be inventive! Creating your what is a wonderful time to think and do differently. Let your 'why' inspire you.
Who should be involved?
There is generally two who's. The first is the project team - what skills are needed to complete the project? This will depend on the type of project and whether it requires input from 'outsiders' i.e., engagement. Skills generally needed include drivers/leaders, planners, facilitators, independents, marketing and comms. Secondly, if you are wanting to involve/engage communities of interest, be really clear on who and why, noting people are busy and need to see value in getting involved. Always good to identify and engage key influencers.
Tip: the iap2 Spectrum of Public Participation is a great tool for defining the type of engagement, depending on the outcomes desired.
How are you going to do it?
This is often the fun part - getting out there, but not before some good planning! While there is many things to consider in the planning phase, in a nutshell, it's about how you're going to practically go about achieving the why and the what.
Tip: try something new! There is so much happening in the world that it can be really difficult to get people's valued attention. There's lots of cool ideas out there - Strategic Doing (10 skills for Agile Leadership) is worth a read.
When are we going to do it and how long is it going to take?
Timing is everything. Consider the time of year and other events that might dilute interaction, e.g., key holidays are generally not a good time to run community engagement projects. Have a timeline and specific measures in place to keep you on track.
Tip: allow as much time as possible when engaging with communities and keep in mind that any engagement requires follow up. People want to know what you're done with the information they've shared.
Where are we going to undertake it?
Online? In person? Generally both I suggest. Is there is specific community's (whether geographical or of interest) that you need to include? If involving community, consider easy access, popular locations, neutral grounds, etc.
Tip: while doing things online can be cheaper, don't underestimate the power of human to human interaction, especially if you are wanting to create buy-in.
I trust these fundamental approaches help with planning your next project. If you would like to discuss further or go a little deeper, please contact me. I offer a free 30 minute coaching session.
Be clear on your Why?
Why do this? What's the purpose?
This is fundamental to the success of your project and should be the first thing agreed upon. It is the reason for being, your purpose for undertaking the work. Spend time clarifying this and ensure there is agreement before moving to the next step.
Tip: while 'making more money' or 'getting buy in' might feel like a good why, consider the motivation behind this. Why do you wish to make more money? Why do you want people to buy in? Asking why five times can help distill your thinking to identify a clear purpose.
What is it exactly you want?
While the why provides a vision or reason for doing, the what is specific. What exactly do you wish to create? What is the desired outcome? e.g., are you wanting to develop a strategy (a plan of action)? Build a playground? Perhaps develop more agility in your business? Once again, get clear on what you want to produce (and why!)
Tip: be inventive! Creating your what is a wonderful time to think and do differently. Let your 'why' inspire you.
Who should be involved?
There is generally two who's. The first is the project team - what skills are needed to complete the project? This will depend on the type of project and whether it requires input from 'outsiders' i.e., engagement. Skills generally needed include drivers/leaders, planners, facilitators, independents, marketing and comms. Secondly, if you are wanting to involve/engage communities of interest, be really clear on who and why, noting people are busy and need to see value in getting involved. Always good to identify and engage key influencers.
Tip: the iap2 Spectrum of Public Participation is a great tool for defining the type of engagement, depending on the outcomes desired.
How are you going to do it?
This is often the fun part - getting out there, but not before some good planning! While there is many things to consider in the planning phase, in a nutshell, it's about how you're going to practically go about achieving the why and the what.
Tip: try something new! There is so much happening in the world that it can be really difficult to get people's valued attention. There's lots of cool ideas out there - Strategic Doing (10 skills for Agile Leadership) is worth a read.
When are we going to do it and how long is it going to take?
Timing is everything. Consider the time of year and other events that might dilute interaction, e.g., key holidays are generally not a good time to run community engagement projects. Have a timeline and specific measures in place to keep you on track.
Tip: allow as much time as possible when engaging with communities and keep in mind that any engagement requires follow up. People want to know what you're done with the information they've shared.
Where are we going to undertake it?
Online? In person? Generally both I suggest. Is there is specific community's (whether geographical or of interest) that you need to include? If involving community, consider easy access, popular locations, neutral grounds, etc.
Tip: while doing things online can be cheaper, don't underestimate the power of human to human interaction, especially if you are wanting to create buy-in.
I trust these fundamental approaches help with planning your next project. If you would like to discuss further or go a little deeper, please contact me. I offer a free 30 minute coaching session.
"Tania was the key instigator/leader of Focus Paihia, from concept through to facilitating the community engagement and then forming the framework for the foundation of the Trust, all as a volunteer. Tania's vision, knowledge and commitment to empowering community led is inspiring."
Grant Harnish, past Chair, Focus Paihia Community Charitable Trust
Grant Harnish, past Chair, Focus Paihia Community Charitable Trust
