Working World

Plan to execute and execute your plan; that’s the key to getting anything done, from baking a cake to launching the space shuttle — at least according to Patricia Ryan, a consultant in proposal management and business development. No matter how simple or complicated your project is, you need to follow some basic steps to success.

START AT THE END: Working back, figure out what needs to happen, and when, for you to reach your deadline. This involves a list, although at first it need not be in order.

GROUP LIKE TASKS TOGETHER: If I want a cake for the bake sale on Saturday afternoon, I must finish the cake by noon. To finish by noon, I need to put it in the oven by 8am. That means I will need to shop by Friday at the latest.

IDENTIFY RESOURCES: people, facilities and equipment. To get my shopping done in time, I will need my husband to get the car home early on Friday. Although you always want to allow for give and take; he — or your co-workers — must understand, agree and commit not only to the goal but also to the plan.

SEQUENCE and add different levels of detail — this task will result in the project schedule.

IDENTIFY COSTS and develop a budget.

Once your plan is developed, publish it and use it as a management tool. A good one will help you identify problems before they become too difficult or expensive to fix. Modify your plan to account for changes in circumstance and be flexible. It’s a tool that should serve you.­  

Prior to writing on employment issues, Elizabeth Hanink worked as a telephone operator, library aide and as a nurse.