30+ Action Plan Format Samples

For the productive and efficient completion of a task or a project, it is extremely important that everything goes smoothly within the given time limit.  This requires planning with the task being broken down into various small steps whose completion would result in achieving the goal.  This plan is known as an action plan and designing it can prove to be extremely beneficial for the user, be it an organisation or an individual.  It should be noted that an action plan should be designed in accordance with a globally acceptable format as this will ensure that every person referring to the plan can read and understand it easily.  Designed by the experts, the users can rest in the assurance that the whole plan will be executed in a systematic manner. 

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What is an Action Plan Format? 

An action plan enables a person in charge of a task to break it into smaller steps, thus simplifying the process while also ensuring its successful execution and completion.  However, this needs to be done in a systematic order with all the details listed in an organised way.  This is one reason why experts believe that people designing an action plan should try to follow the action plan format. 

An action plan format comprises of all the important segments that would be required to break a task into smaller steps and assign them to the concerned individual.  It also gives them an idea of the time permitted for each step and the end result.  Using the format makes it easier for the person to create an action plan as he can quickly list down the steps and other details into it.  However, he can make changes to the format in case the project requires it. 

How to Make an Action Plan Format? 

An action plan format can come in handy for a person who is responsible for various projects.  With a format in place, creating an action plan for projects would surely become easier as he would just have to fill the details in the format. 
It is a good idea to design an action plan in the form of a table as it is easier to fill and understand.  Add in the required columns with relevant headings.  The common headings that can be included in an action plan format are- Description of the step, Department/person/ team responsible for it, Beginning date, End date, Resources needed to complete the step, Possible risks, End result etc.  It is advisable to write the goal at the top of the table.  If there are a number of goals to be met, one can design a format with different segments for different goals with the same headings as above. 

Action Plan Format Excel

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How to Create an Action Plan and Achieve your Goals? 

If you are really serious about achieving your goals, it is always a good idea to design an action plan and work with it.  However, just creating any action plan will not do, you have to understand that your goals should be achievable.  Here is how you can create an action plan that will help you to achieve your goals. 

First, write down your goals.  Next list the various steps you would have to follow to achieve these goals. 
Once you have done this, create a table where you can put all the goals in separate segments and list the respective steps under them.  If needed, break these steps into smaller actions.  This is always an advisable option for larger projects as it helps to simplify the tasks.  Afterwards, go ahead and assign a completion date for each step.  Make sure to set realistic time frames for each task.  A constricted time frame can lead to undue stress and tension whereas a liberal time frame can mark the seriousness of the task at hand. 

In case you are handling a large project, you can assign weeks or days to the steps.  Make sure to add a separate heading for these.  Once your action plan is ready, don’t forget to follow it.  Make sure that you work on it and follow the sequence that has been listed in the plan.  Remember to check the plan every now and then to ensure that you are right on schedule and not lagging behind.  In case, you feel certain steps may take longer than expected, you can review your plan accordingly.  However, this should be done only in the worst case scenario as too many reviews will be a deterrent in achieving the required goals on time. 

Personal Action Plan Format

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Action Plan Format for Business

Business organisations with their wide range of functions and projects need to follow action plans.  This is the only way to ensure that they can achieve their goals and thereby enhance their revenues.  The action plan format for a business should be in a tabulated form with all the details listed under specific subheads.  Since there are a number of goals to be achieved at any given time, it is advisable to make a separate table or add diverse segments for each goal within the table. 

The goal should be distinctly named rather than being written as Goal 1, Goal 2 etc. 

Beneath these should be subheads or columns with names like step, person/department responsible, date of commencement, date of completion, possible problems, end result etc. 

The user can then list down the steps and their details underneath these subheads. 

Since the action plan is shared with all the people involved in a project, it would be a good idea to add a segment for the comments of the team members working on the project. 

In certain cases, a business action plan format could also be in the form of a flow chart.  This would come in handy when the team is working with steps that can have more than one outcome. 

Action plan formats are easier to work with as the user just needs to customise these as per his needs and then enter the relevant details.  Designed by experts and readily available online, these formats are exceptionally efficient and help in saving a lot of time.