You’re stuck in a rut. Your team just can’t seem to get productive. You have a general idea of where you’re going but just can’t get it down on paper and start doing. Or worse, you have so much to do you don’t know where to start – so you don’t start. Be honest, it happens to the best of us.
Let’s get back to basics: Process. I’ve got a handy process to get you moving again. I’ll use an example along the way. I’m going to create a website.
1. You must have at least an idea as to what you need to accomplish. Write it down in as few words as possible.
a. Create Website
2. Start brainstorming all the things you need to do to accomplish your goal.
a. Decide structure (how many pages, name each page)
b. Define content (what goes on each page)
c. Create text
d. Find or create graphics
e. Secure the domain
f. Find a host
g. Set up pages
h. Test pages – links, flow, different browsers and devices.
i. Publish website
j. SEO setup
k. Other – I’ll probably find more things to do along the way.
l. Oh! Who will do the work?
3. Put the tasks in a logical order – using the information you have right now. Accept that this may change later on but you want to get started now.
a. Who will do which part of the work
b. Secure the domain
c. Find a host
d. Decide structure (how many pages, name each page)
e. Define content (what goes on each page)
f. Create text
g. Find or create graphics
h. Set up pages
i. SEO setup
j. Test – links, flow, different browsers and devices, SEO
k. Publish website
l. Other
4. Think of all the things you have to do to accomplish each task. For example:
a. Define Content
i. What message do I want to get across
ii. Choose a layout (will each page be the same?)
iii. How many pages / sections do I need?
iv. Write out text
v. Find graphics
Did you notice that I’ve just merged some of my brainstorming points.
5. Now you can make a plan. Don’t forget to ask the experts along the way. Normally, one person doesn’t have all the knowledge to accomplish the goal; otherwise we wouldn’t have teams! It is a far shorter run if you ask experts which roads to take. This isn’t just a schedule. Your plan should include who will do what, what tools they will need, how they should report progress or problems, how changes will be handled, etc. (the process).
Are you ready? Here comes the most important tip. Are you sure you’re ready?
6. Communicate your plan! If at all possible, get the team together either in person, by conference call or web conference. Getting everyone in one place at the same time ensures everyone gets the same message, in the same way and can openly discuss any questions or ideas immediately. By the end of the meeting, everyone should know their tasks, what they need to report back to you and the tools to use along the way. You will give them a sense of direction and security in knowing that you have carefully considered your plan and your processes.
So there you have it; a process to get yourself back on track and get your team moving again. It’s a process to define processes and get you moving again. Remember though that even though you’ve consulted experts; made the plan and communicated it; it can – and likely will - change. That’s okay. New information comes to light and hurdles are put in the way. Don’t let speed bumps sabotage your whole plan. You’ve already thought of how to deal with changes (step 5), so when they show up, just execute that process.
Even the most creative teams need structure and direction to accomplish their goals. It works for me – every time.
0 comments:
Post a Comment