Implementation

Implementation is how to go about successfully implementing an Initiative. We are finally to where change actually takes place. The following are the steps in the process:

1. Leadership develops a “Charter” for each Initiative

2. A team is formed and the Charter explained

3. The team develops a “Plan”

4. The plan is presented to leadership for approval

5. Team Implements the plan and achieves objectives

6. Team is recognized, rewarded and disbanded

Now more details will be offered about each step:

1. Leadership develops a “Charter” for each Initiative

a. A Charter is a document developed by leadership that makes it clear what is expected, by when and who is to be involved for Implementation of the Initiative. The following are the sections of the Charter to be filled out with a brief definition of each.

i. Initiative: A small number of words that can be used as a reference to the project

ii. Objective: One or two sentences that describes at a high level what is expected

iii. Scope: What is to be included or excluded

iv. Boundaries: Guidelines regarding time and finances

v. Deliverables: A list of what is to be provided upon completion of the project

vi. Measurement: How success will be measured

vii. Team Leader: The person that will lead the team

viii. Team Member: 6-7 people that represent the appropriate groups needed for a successful project

ix. Resources: Persons or organizations that could be of assistance in some way to the team but will not be on the team

x. Sponsor: A member of the leadership team that will oversee the team’s activities and serve as a link to the leadership team

xi. Facilitator: A person with skills for assisting groups with achieving their task

xii. Date: The date the Charter was developed or updated as sometimes changes are made

2. A team is formed and the Charter explained

a. The Sponsor meets with the team to ensure expectations are clear. Team members are to ask any question they might have and share any potential barriers they could anticipate.

3. The team develops a "Plan"

a. The facilitator plays a very active role. The plan works best to be in a Gantt chart format which lists all actions that must be done to accomplish the objective along with who is responsible for each and by when.

4. The plan is presented to leadership for approval

a. Leadership either accepts the plan or makes recommendations for changes

5. Team Implements the plan and achieves objectives

a. The team establishes an ongoing meeting process that will accomplish the task on schedule. Updates on progress are to be presented to Leadership on a regular basis.

6. Team is recognized, rewarded and disbanded

a. The closure process should include having the entire team make a final report to the entire leadership team.

The reward should not be of significant financial value. Now is the time to consider starting a new Initiative.