Method
Set clear targets

Set clear targets

Connect short-term planning to overall milestones to maintain strategic alignment.

To create an effective short-term plan, start by extracting key milestones and sequence requirements from the master schedule. These become the fixed points around which more detailed planning occurs, creating a direct connection between daily activities and contractual commitments.

Rather than treating the master schedule as a detailed execution plan, use it as the source of critical targets and constraints. This creates a balanced approach where strategic requirements flow down, while detailed planning flows up from the teams performing the work.

This allows  everyone to see how their daily efforts contribute to milestone achievement. This visibility helps field teams prioritise work appropriately and make better decisions when inevitable trade-offs become necessary.

1.1

Together, not apart

1.2

Give the frontline bandwidth, not busywork

1.3

Measure flow, not just criticality

1.4

You can't plan what you don't know

1.5

Rhythm is everything

1.6

Match methods to project characteristics

1.7

Simplicity beats sophistication

2.1

Set clear targets

2.2

Start simple

2.3

Embrace progressive planning horizons

2.4

Run a disciplined weekly cycle

3.1

Establish a daily coordination rhythm

3.2

Find and clear blockers

3.3

Intensify the rhythm as complexity increases

4.1

Capture delays, don't hide them

4.2

Capture issues when they happen