- Start by looking at what’s working and what isn’t. There is a reason Keep, Stop, Start or Stop, Start, Continue exercises are so popular. And you will find they help make space for new ideas / tasks.
- Take the time to do your research. Having the team aware of their current situation (both external and internal) will ensure your plans are grounded in reality and will really help the team prioritize and address the key issues. Having a one-page S.W.O.T summary makes it easy to communicate and reference.
- Outline your vision and set S.M.A.R.T goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based) that focus on the future to move the team from “where we are now” to “where we want to be”.
- Map out your strategy. What’s possible? What’s the most do-able and has the highest impact?
- Now map out detailed year-one action plans and measurement reporting needs. These steps help build team excitement at the next, practical possibilities and set clear performance indicators.