Creating a Winning Work Plan: A Guide for Agile Product Managers
As a product manager, you’re no stranger to planning and execution. But have you ever found yourself wondering how to balance the need for a solid plan with the flexibility of an agile approach? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of creating a work plan that will help you achieve your goals without sacrificing agility.
What is a Work Plan?
A work plan is a high-level document that outlines the goals, timelines, risks, and other essential details of a project or initiative. It’s a communication tool that helps ensure everyone involved is on the same page and working towards the same objectives.
The 3 Stages of a Work Plan
A work plan can be broken down into three stages: Preparation, Kick-off, and Evaluation.
Stage 1: Preparation
This stage is all about laying the groundwork for your project. Here are the key steps to take:
- Create an initiative document: This is the foundation of your work plan. It should include all the necessary information, such as goals, timelines, and stakeholders.
- Establish a user story or similar: Define the problem you’re trying to solve and the value you want to deliver to your users.
- Verify how the idea fits the current product fundamentals and focus: Make sure your project aligns with the company’s overall vision and strategy.
- Choose the product metrics to address: Identify the key metrics you want to improve and make sure they’re aligned with your project goals.
- Perform research and early product discovery: Gather feedback from users and stakeholders to validate your idea.
- Identify internal stakeholders: Determine who needs to be involved in the project and what their roles will be.
- Create a ticket in your product management software: Formalize your project by creating a ticket in your project management tool.
Stage 2: Kick-off
Now that you’ve done your prep work, it’s time to kick off your project! Here are the key steps to take:
- Present your findings: Share your research and initiative document with the team and stakeholders.
- Discuss and plan the high-level technical elements: Determine the technical requirements and timeline for the project.
- Agree on potential risks and brainstorm solutions: Identify potential roadblocks and come up with contingency plans.
- Seek an MVP: Determine the minimum viable product (MVP) that will allow you to test your hypothesis.
- Draw an expected timeline and check-in points: Create a project schedule and establish regular check-ins to ensure everyone is on track.
Stage 3: Evaluation
This final stage is all about reflecting on your project’s progress and making adjustments as needed. Here are the key questions to ask:
- What happens next after the MVP is successful (or not)?: Plan for different scenarios and determine what steps to take next.
- What parts of a successful MVP should be improved first and foremost?: Prioritize the features and improvements that will have the greatest impact.
- Does the result of this initiative impact your roadmap going forward? How?: Consider how your project’s outcome will affect future plans and adjust your roadmap accordingly.
Template and Example
To help you get started, we’ve included a work plan template and example. Use these resources to guide you as you create your own work plan and ensure that you’re covering all the essential elements.
By following these stages and using the template and example provided, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning work plan that will help you achieve your goals without sacrificing agility. Remember to stay flexible and adapt your plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome for your project.