Every Successful Plan has these Four Steps.

@ubcwbb Instagram.

Last week the University of British Columbia Women’s Basketball team announced an initiative called #VotingBuddies. The initiative is based on their team’s plan for involvement during the upcoming Canadian federal election.

Using their social media platform, here's how they describe their work together to achieve their plan:

Our team has decided that we are #votingbuddies and are holding each other accountable to vote in this year’s federal election! During October 5th – 9th the Great Hall of the AMS Nest will be hold polling stations – this is cool because there will be a special ballot process and anyone (eligible) can vote in any riding in the country!

Just like this team of ballers, every team needs a great plan; whether it be executing an initiative such as #votingbuddies, organizing a social event or winning Provincials. Why do some plans fail? Because they are missing one or more of the following key elements. To create a plan poised for success be sure to include the following:

1. Goal

2. Indicator

3. Strategy

4. Timeline

Let’s apply our 4 steps to the UBC team’s plan.

1.     Goal:  Voter turnout which is traditionally low amongst university students living away from home will be increased.

2.     Indicator:

a. Polling stations will report more students voting.

b. Team will report that every member has voted.

3.     Strategy:

a.     Basketball team have met and agreed to hold each other accountable to vote.

b.     Basketball team are using their social media platform to share how they will hold each other accountable to vote in order to encourage others to do the same.

c.     A hashtag was created and can be shared to create community and conversation around the issue.

4.     Timeline:

a.     Team published times and dates on social media when the polling stations will be open.

b.     Team has chosen a time to all go together to a station to vote.

Here’s a recap for your team:

A Goal is something that your team would like to see changed based on a need.

An Indicator is what will appear different once the need is met.

A Strategy includes actions undertaken to achieve outcomes using your team’s strengths

Timelines create transparency thus building trust and accountability.

Last but not least, here are some tips to help guide your team in developing your next plan:

• Work collaboratively with your team to establish all of the steps above. When you set our own goals motivation to achieve them goes up.

• Ensure indicators and timelines to be realistic for every member of your team.

• Utilize your team’s strengths to execute the plan. I am guessing someone on the UBC basketball team has a special interest in politics or is great at executing initiatives through social media.

• Use clear and simple language to document the plan and distribute it to each of your team members.

Have fun! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below about your team’s next great plan!

Oh and… don’t forget to vote!