there's two acronyms for checklists of things to consider about a new initiative, 'SMART' (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound), 'DUMB' (doable, understandable, manageable & beneficial). There's also 'SMARTER', which is SMART plus Evaluate, Re-evaluate. Some have suggested Ethical for the E.
in sum, here's my personal checklist:
- specific
- ethical
- doable
- relevant
- timebound
- measurable
- explainable (understandable)
RACI matrix
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsibility_assignment_matrix . Columns are roles (i.e. positions within the organization), rows are task. Matrix entries are one of R,A,C,I:
- Responsible
- Those who do the work to achieve the task. There is typically one role with a participation type of Responsible, although others can be delegated to assist in the work required (see also RASCI below for separately identifying those who participate in a supporting role).
- Accountable (also Approver or final Approving authority)
- Those who are ultimately accountable for the correct and thorough completion of the deliverable or task, and the one to whom Responsible is accountable. In other words, an Accountable must sign off (Approve) on work that Responsible provides. There must be only one Accountable specified for each task or deliverable.
- Consulted
- Those whose opinions are sought; and with whom there is two-way communication.
- Informed
- Those who are kept up-to-date on progress, often only on completion of the task or deliverable; and with whom there is just one-way communication.