Re:
Next action only? Why?
dano77 said:
Why list the only next physical action? Why not list a number of action steps for the required outcome? What is the thinking behind this?
Here's one thing I do with clients who have a LOT of ideas (ie: next, next actions) on larger projects:
What do I do with the next, next actions?
My rule of thumb is this…I capture all the thinking I can, while I am thinking. I demonstrate this in action with clients. Perhaps you'd be willing to try it out too! First, pick one of the BIGGIES on your plate right now. What one issue, circumstance or situation needs your attention? Next, get three pieces of paper for the following activities.
PAGE ONE: Project Outcome. Describe in detail your intended successful outcome. Write one to two sentences (or one or two paragraphs!) outlining your commitment to an end result.
PAGE TWO: Brainstorm (write down!) ANY potential actions, ideas, thoughts, names, places, etc that come to mind about that. I usually suggest you go for 20-50 items, depending on the size and scope of the project. (These are not necessarily TO-Dos; instead, this is a page to…capture the thinking while you're thinking.
PAGE THREE: Next Actions. Process the project and your brainstorm by deciding what's NEXT. What action can you take next to start moving toward closure on that outcome? Also, through the course of the project lifetime, consider reviewing, editing and adding to that "idea collection" piece of paper. (I call it Project Support.)
Then, in your weekly review (and, you might do two+ weekly reviews a week, some clients do), check these three pages and see where you are, and add any outstanding actions to your lists...
I hope that helps!