Plandisc
Plandisc is an organizational term to visualize the calendar year in a cyclical way. The term originates and are widely used in Scandinavia under the word "årshjul", directly translated into "year wheel". Visualizing the calendar year as a circle, is especially helpful in organizations who experience a cyclical process in their work. When a organization have a cyclical process, with a lot of activities that are repeated every year. A plandisc is practical to give an overview over the whole year at one glance, as well as giving transparency throughout every level of the organization
Where is a plandisc typically used[edit]
Schools are highly build on repetitive cycles. The curriculum of each grade is the same year after year, and subjects are taught in the same order as every year, with slight alterations. In modern times it´s common to use an online plandisc so the teacher can share all information with students and parents. In most online plandisc´s it´s possible to attach files, so homework can be put up online for the student to see.
HR has the responsibility to maintain a bundle of different activities, such as meetings, operational goals, social activities, appraisal interviews, employee satisfaction surveys etc. Having it all stored online, gives a great option to take notes and compare former learnings. In larger companies HR are responsible for meetings across many departments, having a ring for each department can give great overview across the organization.
Marketing departments can build up a plandisc around several circles, e.g. illustrating the different sales channels the company uses. Using several rings creates a transparency through all the different layers of the activities, departments or whatever makes sense for the individual organisation. Writing down the marketing plans, increases the chance of the business actually executing on time.
Rhythm of business[edit]
Rhythm of business is all about creating an effective and efficient operating rhythm, where key activities are carried out consistently and to highest possible satisfaction. When working hard it can be easy to get swamped with day to day tasks and losing overview of the big picture, this can often lead to campaigns and other larger tasks to be forgotten. Not having a clear idea of how the year is planned out, can therefor end up with missing out on opportunities and not giving enough focus on the key activities. Most companies can figure out how to set up a plan, the difficult part is sticking to it. Once it is made, use it! Make sure to frequently check up on whether your organization are on track. A plandisc is like tailored for keeping up with your rhythm of business.
How to make a plandisc[edit]
Normally a 7-steps model is used when creating a plandisc. Following each step will make you understand the organizations year better, seeing what exactly have to be done and if it can be planned out through the year, preventing that everything will fall in the same period, creating chaos. The plandisc is typically made in a small group, getting input from more sides. Using pen, paper and a lot of post-its is the best way to visualize.
1. Identify the main tasks[edit]
Don´t pay too much attention to detail just yet! Step one is simply finding what will happen throughout the year. An example could be a school trip for 5th grade students.
2. Find the sub tasks[edit]
Now that the main tasks has been identified, it´s time to figure out how to execute on them. With the school trip example, sub tasks could be: Scheduling activities throughout the trip, book a place to stay, what to bring.
3. Plan it out the year[edit]
Simply take your main tasks and set dates on them. When should they start and when should they end. The school trip could be set to happen from 1. October to 5. October
4. Implement the sub tasks[edit]
Here you should set dates on when the sub tasks should take place. For the school trip, maybe the scheduling of the trip should be done in the beginning of September, while picking up the food should happen the day before the trip 30. September.
5. Delegate tasks[edit]
Delegate the sub tasks, know who will do what and make sure the tasks are evenly distributed, to avoid one person being overwhelmed with work. Depending on the size of the task, it can be an idea to elect a person in charge of the main task. This would typically just be the manager.
6. Describe the tasks[edit]
Get detailed! Here it´s time to write down everything you know should be done to execute the task. How long time will the sub tasks take, how many resources? For the school trip exactly how much food should you bring, 5kg chicken, 10 kg rice e.g. Naturally you can´t know ALL the details and that´s okay, but for most tasks, with good planning you can get a pretty good idea.
7. Make it digital[edit]
Making your plans digital makes it easier to share with everyone involved, everyone can edit it and you don´t have to dedicate a whole wall at the office, you can simply have everything stored on the computer. Find a good planning tool online and get started!
References[edit]
- ↑ http://www.rhythmsystems.com/blog/bid/153289/how-to-create-a-healthy-rhythm-for-your-company
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2017/03/27/how-to-create-a-rhythm-of-business-model-in-7-simple-steps/#25ac1f265692
- ↑ https://plandisc.com/5-tips-to-save-time-with-effective-planning/
- ↑ https://medium.com/business-operations/operational-cadence-and-rhythm-a-k-a-meetings-7aeaf8872627
- ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-create-operating-rhythm-increase-productivity-gus-patterson/
References[edit]
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