Planning Process

A process is simply a series of sequential steps leading to an outcome.  Every process has inputs, which are transformed through the process steps (that should add value to those inputs) to create a desired output used by those who depend on the process to do their work.

The process is built around three meetings, with the majority of the work being performed by team members between meetings.

• Meeting 1: The team, with input from the ESLT leader (positional leader), defines the scope and purpose of the project (pre-work).
  • Between meetings: Team members gather information or data on problems related to the purpose and understand the process through flowcharting.
• Meeting 2: Members share what they have learned, and the team focuses on possible solutions and the analysis of those solutions, including data that needs to be collected from customers of the process.  The outcome is a list of prioritized solutions.
  • Between meetings: Team members collect and analyze data/information on potential solutions.
• Meeting 3: The team reviews the solutions again in light of the data they have collected.  The team then finalizes their recommended solutions incorporating concerns and suggestions raised in the data-gathering phase and develops a plan for implementation. (At this meeting the ESLT leader learns about the recommendations and agrees to support the implementation plan.)

Evaluation is another part of accountability.  There needs to be a regular assessment of the team process, the team member roles, and outcomes.

Click here for Team Evaluation form. [insert]

It is important to discuss and decide ahead of time, in the early stages of the planning process, how the team will be evaluated. 

Some possibilities are using surveys or existing evaluation tools.  Other times, a more informal evaluation would be appropriate, such as an open discussion or team and individual reflections.  The evaluation approach used depends on the desired outcomes.

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Part 1: Forming an Effective Leadership Action Team

• A. Why is Leadership Important?
• B. Team Development Framework
• C. Team Leadership
• D. Team Mission and Goals

Part 2: Team Membership, Recruitment, and Roles

• A. Selecting Team Members
• B. Team Roles

Part 3: Team Functioning

• A. Team Norms
• B. Supporting Team Members
• C. Team Building
• D. Stages in Team Development

Part 4: Team Building

• A. Team Building Activities
• B. Keeping and Renewing Teams
• C. Addressing Turnover
• D. Planning Process

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