Develop an Action Plan for Opportunity or Problem Solution

As part of the continuing segment on Managing Opportunities or Problem Areas....

Every manager and executive appreciates a person who has thought through, clearly and concisely, how to proceed with solving the problem. They may not agree with, or desire modifications, to your plan, but having this plan together gives you tremendous credibility.

Characteristics of the action plan should be:

1. Your group or area should be affected. If you develop plans which only have other groups actions involved, your planning will appear self-serving.

2. Your plan should be positive and team-based. Plans which appear to be attack oriented will be much harder to implement.

3. Plans should highlight how they help the customer and company.

4. Plans should have a resolution to the problem, or at least bring clarity to what the final steps should be.