10 Steps for Project Planning

1. Pick the project you want to work through. A title is nice
2. Target a completion date for the project
3. Determine objectives, benefits, and costs
4. Break the project down into discrete steps or phases
   1. Start at the end
   2. Ask what must be done immediately before the last step is started
   3. Keep working backwards towards today
   4. Keep this step at 30,000 feet, you just want the major phases
5. Identify action steps for each phase.
   1. Start at the end of each phase
   2. Ask what must be done immediately before the last step is started
   3. Keep working backwards towards today
   4. This should be quite detailed depending on the size of your project
6. Determine time frames required for each step.
7. Evaluate potential contingencies and problems.
8. Define the roles and obligations of players.
9. Determine what support or assistance may be necessary.
10. Monitor progress of the team and of individuals. (ongoing)