Critical Task List

Why?

When your work starts to grow and tasks start adding up, you may want to shift to a more dynamic and professional project management tool. The Critical Task list is a first step to develop a routine in organising your ongoing work without feeling overwhelmed. Using this will ensure that what you set out to do is actually possible with the timeframe and budget you have available.

But what is a “critical task”?  It’s one that is pivotal to delivering or growing your idea or could actually delay things.

How?

This is useful when working alone, but it becomes even more important when you need to focus and align your work with others.

1. Plan to set aside some meaningful time to work on this with your colleagues. 
2. List all the activities to be carried out.  Doing this will help you clarify groups of themes.  Be specific and add as much detail as possible.
3. Allocate owners to each task. Think about your team’s skills and who is best placed to get this task done.
4. Think about what budget is required for this task to fly.
5. What’s a challenging but realistic deadline that would drive the task forward?
6. What or who do you need to get this over the line?

Taking time to do this can really help when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done, or worried about how exactly an idea is going to be implemented. Check in regularly on these tasks as well reviewing your budget and resources in line with your overall goals. 

The Critical Task List can used in tandem with other tools such as Fast Idea Generator and the Business Model Canvas to boost ideas and creative problem solving.  With solid actions plans, you will be able to more quickly progress towards testing, implementing and iterating ideas to grow your business.