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Setting goals are important, but without a clear plan, they’re just words on paper. Teams need a clear and actionable roadmap that guides them directly towards achieving their goals. 

That’s why an action plan template, often used in conjunction with the best project management software, is the key to a successful project outcome. These structured frameworks bring your plans to life and help you stay on track for success. 

This blog discusses the concept of action plans, outlines the steps in writing them, and provides different types of action plan templates.

So, instead of scrolling through multiple pages of search results, use these free downloadable action plan templates, which are easy to customize according to your project’s preferences. 

Key Takeaways
  • A well-established action plan provides a clear and straightforward path to turn your goals into reality
  • Writing a successful action plan includes several steps, such as setting clear goals, identifying essential tasks, gathering necessary resources, establishing deadlines, and evaluating progress
  • Action plan templates can be a valuable tool for tracking progress, managing tasks, and ensuring the team stays on track
  • Exploring different types of action plan templates is the best way to find one that fits your business or project needs

What Is An Action Plan?

An action plan is a comprehensive document that highlights all the steps an organization must take to meet a desired goal. It clarifies the resources required, determines which team to assign tasks, and creates timelines. 

People often confuse action plans with to-do lists. The key distinction between the two is that the action plans are goal-oriented, focusing on achieving a certain objective, whereas to-do lists are ongoing tasks that may span various projects and goals.

An action plan can include information about the tasks and projects, such as:

  • Description of tasks required to be completed
  • Teams responsible for task completion
  • Resources required
  • Deadlines
  • Notes or comments

How To Write An Action Plan?

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Writing an action plan may seem easy, but there are several steps that you need to keep in mind to get the most value out of the plan.

Set A Clear And Achievable SMART Goal 

A well-defined SMART goal offers a clear direction for the entire project, ensuring that all efforts are focused on achieving specific objectives. Start by identifying exactly what you want to accomplish, then refine this goal to be as precise as possible. 

Before proceeding, evaluate the goal against the SMART criteria, ensuring that it is:

  • Specific: A well-defined specific goal addresses questions like: What is the desired outcome? Who is accountable for its completion? And what actions are necessary to reach it?"
  • Measurable: Includes quantifiable metrics to monitor progress. Identify the data that will be used to measure the goal and establish a method for collecting it
  • Achievable: Goals should be attainable and realistic to maintain the enthusiasm for teams to try to achieve them
  • Relevant: Goals should be aligned with the company’s broader objective
  • Timeline: Consists of deadlines for project completion. A goal without a set timeline often goes unaccomplished

Resources Required

Before starting, it is essential to determine all the resources required to complete the project. This ensures that task completion is not delayed due to resource constraints. If the resources are not available, plan to acquire them. After highlighting this, you can easily allocate resources such as the project budget, required equipment, or team members. 

Prioritize Essential Tasks 

After breaking down all the project goals into smaller, manageable tasks and identifying all the required resources, now is the time to determine the ideal order for project completion. These include detailed tasks that the team or individual must accomplish.

When the team is clear on its tasks and responsibilities, they know which task to prioritize and can adjust schedules as needed.

Establish Deadlines And Key Milestones 

Analyze the project’s needs and estimate the time required for each task. For instance, if your goal is to double website traffic in a year, set timeframes for each step. When your team is clear on the goals and their deadlines, they can prioritize tasks effectively.

This can be done by creating a simple template that outlines the specific tasks required for your team to achieve project milestones. 

Evaluate And Improve 

Evaluate the progress towards achieving the goal and adjust the action plan as required. Set aside some of your time to monitor your team’s progress and identify which areas can be improved. This also highlights pending or delayed tasks, allowing you to find the cause and implement solutions.

Types Of Action Plan Templates

Action plan templates can be tailored to fit the unique requirements of any project or initiative. Below are some types of action plan templates that you may find useful: 

The action items template is perfect for capturing new tasks that arise during meetings. It helps you track these tasks like a checklist, ensuring nothing gets overlooked and everything is completed on time. The template offers a structured format for tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and managing resources.

The template might include rows for each action item and columns to outline details like:

  • Action required to be taken
  • Priority levels
  • Status updates
  • Completion percentages
  • Deadlines
  • Notes

Download the Action Item Template

A CAP template focuses on the steps needed to resolve problems that negatively affect your business. Use this template to identify and resolve issues quickly. This reduces the risk of future complications and improves overall project performance.

It pinpoints areas for improvement in business operations or team performance, defines problems and root causes, lists possible action steps, and allocates time for smooth transitions and improvements.

Download the CAP Template

PIP templates are crucial for the employee appraisal process. This template allows employees to focus on specific areas for improvement while managers can offer support and guidance to promote better performance.

These templates aim to develop a proactive strategy for dealing with the team’s ongoing performance or issues. The action plan strategy can include the name of the team member, tasks assigned, their immediate supervisor, performance goals and concerns, and the corresponding deadlines.

Download the PIP Action Plan Template in Excel

A marketing action plan template provides all stakeholders with a quick overview of your company before diving into the more strategic aspects of your plan. Project managers can use this customizable template to create their marketing summary, objectives, target market, problems, and solutions.

It typically includes sections for:

  • Marketing objectives
  • Target audience
  • Marketing strategy and tactics
  • Timeline for completion and review
  • Key Performance Indicators
  • Assigned responsibilities

Download the Marketing Action Plan Template

The SMART action plan template allows project managers to break down large and challenging tasks into smaller, manageable tasks and address constraints related to time, resources, and expertise.

Use this template to establish goals and define a method for measuring a team's progress. Ideal for both employees and students, this template helps specify desired outcomes, set deadlines, and determine how to evaluate goal achievement.

Download the SMART Action Plan Template

Plan Smarter With Our Free Customizable Action Plan Templates

Action Plan Template

An action plan directs you toward achieving your project’s goals and transforming your vision into actionable steps. You can create an action plan for almost anything. Start your project by using our free action plan template and outline the project’s requirements, timeline, and resources. 

Many free project management tools offer built-in action plan templates to help you create a more achievable business action plan. These tools allow teams to track their progress throughout the project and identify areas for improvement.