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Planning Template

Tue, January 3rd, 2006 by Tom Foster

Last year, they spent $12,000 on a planning consultant to help them put together a business plan that included Carl's division. Since it was delivered, last February, only three people have even looked at it. No wonder Carl was reluctant when I asked for this year's plan.

"Why the sad face?" I asked.

"Planning is one of those management skills that I always seem to put off," Carl replied.

"Carl, at the end of this year, do you want your division to be exactly as it is, now?"

"No way, there are several things I would like to change."

"Good. Carl, here are some questions for you:

How can you design those changes so they are well thought-out?

How can you communicate your ideas clearly to other people?

How can you bring people together to discuss your ideas so they have a better chance of getting done?"

Carl thought for a minute, then finally spoke. "I guess I should write down my ideas, to make sure they are clear in my own mind, then I can send them around to the other people on my team."

"Would you like a small planning template to help you get started?" I asked. Carl's eyes got wide as his head moved up and down.

If you would like a copy of the template I am sending to Carl, just drop me an email. (If you are an email subscriber to Management Skills Blog, just reply to this email).

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006 at 1:00 am and is filed under Planning Skills. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

64 Responses to “Planning Template”

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  1. lindy says:
    4/12/2006 at 3:10 am

    Please send me a copy of the planning template. Thanks. Lindy

  2. Yvonne Greco says:
    4/17/2006 at 9:10 am

    Tom, can you add me too. I'd appreciate a copy of the planning template. Thnanks!

  3. Sharon Stockwell says:
    6/6/2006 at 11:05 pm

    Tom,
    Could you please send me a copy of your planning tmeplate.
    Much appreciated.
    Sharon

  4. Varadarajan says:
    6/19/2006 at 7:13 am

    Tom ,
    Will be great to receive ( and use) a copy of the Planning template . Your work is Highly recommended and I am eager to benefit
    thnks
    Rajan India

  5. Poojan says:
    6/20/2006 at 4:46 am

    Tom, Same request.Please send me a copy of planning template. thanks, Poojan India

  6. scot masters says:
    7/28/2006 at 1:20 am

    Tom,

    Would love a copy of that template.

    Thanks,

    Scot

  7. Kathy says:
    7/30/2006 at 6:08 pm

    Tom,

    I too would love a copy of the template.

    Thank you,

    Kathy

  8. Paul Dannels says:
    8/24/2006 at 3:52 pm

    Hello,
    Please send a copy of your free template.
    Thanks alot.
    Paul

  9. Bob says:
    10/16/2006 at 11:30 am

    Tom,

    I was on the Management Craft blog and saw mention of your planning template. I'd be most grateful to get a copy of it.

    Best regards,

    Bob

  10. Conrad says:
    12/8/2006 at 1:01 pm

    Please send me a copy of your planning template.
    thx,
    Conrad

  11. deanna says:
    12/22/2007 at 2:45 pm

    Please send a copy or link to your planning template.
    Thanks

  12. Lori says:
    1/8/2008 at 11:46 pm

    I know this is an old post...any chance you've got an extra planning template hanging around? :)

    Thanks!!

  13. Clare Davies says:
    3/11/2008 at 6:58 am

    Hey Tom I'm also jumping into an old post and would love a copy of the planning template. Thank you v much Clare

  14. Bhama Muralidharan says:
    4/3/2008 at 6:51 am

    Hi Tom:

    Could you please send me a copy of the Planning Template. Would really help me as I take on a new task.

    Thanks
    Bhama

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