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Basic
Skills: Planning and Organizing Skills (E)
by
Laurus Nobilis
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What
is the role of planning in business? What are the
tips for development of planning and organizing
skills?
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Posted:
July 2009 |
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Planning
and Organizing is the skill that is part
of Ability to plan group of basic skills. Planning
is the ability to conceive, develop and implement
plans with purpose of accomplishing short and long
term goals.
Planning
and organizing is important for different
positions and functions.
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Definition
Systematically develops plans,
prioritizes, organizes and manages resources in order to accomplish
business goals within a defined timetable.
Key Behavioral Indicators
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Focuses activities in
order to achieve of desired results
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Uses knowledge of general business to help formulate appropriate plans
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Uses project management methodology including estimates of critical path, budget, staff, and resources needed
for target achievement
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Pays attention to the important details
- Prioritizes, co-ordinates, and
organizes resources to maximize all opportunities
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Takes all important issues into account when making decisions
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Follows through on commitments
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Takes quick action to identify and resolve the cause of
any problem
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Flexiblity
Tips for Development
of Planning and Organizing Skills
- Have your manager assign you a planning mentor. The mentor would role model effective planning,
behaviors and provides an surrounding for receiving
the feedback and advice on an ongoing
basis
- Research other departments or companies who are noted for their effective
and efficient planning processes and
tools
- Plan realistically,
otherwise you may set unrealistic goals for yourself for completing a project in an attempt to appease or impress someone
else
- Create a planning process model for
all future projects. Once the planning model is operational, solicit on going feedback and recommendations to improve the
process
- Working with your manager, write your department’s annual strategic goals, objectives, strategies (approach) and tactics. This plan should include the key
performance indicators that the group needs to track and
measure
- Complete a self-analysis and/or 360 degree instrument detailing your strengths and weaknesses as a planner and
organizer. Develop a 90-day improvement plan; during this time solicit formal and informal feedback. Participate in a re-survey after this
time
- When beginning work on a project initiate the following five-step process:
1. Prepare a breakdown of all functional tasks
2. Analyze each component to detect areas of risk
3. Categories the potential problems into high and low risk areas
4. Prepare several possible approaches to overcoming such problems if they
may occur
5. Build a safety net into your planning for high-risk areas
- Become familiar with the flow of information in your
organization: Who receives what kind of information? What information do you get that others would find valuable?
- Utilize calendar, gantt charts and ‘to do’ lists effectively with priorities and follow up plan on projects and
deadlines
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Ask people for their input on your plans and proposals before the proposals are in final form. People generally feel more comfortable offering suggestions about a plan that is
in process.
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