10 things a good plan addresses

A checklist for stunning plans

When making a plan, there are a couple of things that really make sense. It does not matter whether it is a development project, an event, or anything else.

Not every item needs a section of its own in a plan, but you need to ensure that you have thought about it. Are you clear on each of the list items? If you are, I recommend that you include them in your communication, documents, and presentations.

1. Elevator Pitch
   What’s it all about?

2. Definition of Success
   How will you know that you’ve been successful?

3. Problem Statement (Pains/Needs)
   What are you trying to address? What pains will be solved, what need will be fulfilled?

4. Non-goals / Out of scope
   Anything that you will deliberately not tackle.

5. Base Assumptions
   Any basic assumptions for the entire plan.

6. Initiatives / Work Packages
   What are you going to do? These can be small work items or larger initiatives.

7. Participating people or teams
   Who will be involved? People or teams, stakeholders…

8. Milestones
   When do you plan to achieve milestones?

9. Dependencies and Partners
   Are there any dependencies on other projects, people or partners?

10. Main risks or risk map
    What are the risks you know and manage? If necessary, put them on a risk map of you choice.