Implementation Planning Checklist

Action Mapping

I have started with my chosen solution or goal

I have asked “What needs to happen for this to succeed?”

I have broken down each answer into specific actions

I have continued breaking down until I have concrete, assignable tasks

I have arranged tasks in logical sequence

I have identified dependencies between tasks

I have assigned responsibility for each action

I have estimated realistic timeframes for completion

Backward Planning

I have defined the end state clearly

I have identified the final step needed to achieve that state

I have worked backward to identify prerequisite steps

I have continued working backward until reaching immediate next actions

I have reversed the sequence for my implementation plan

I have verified that the sequence is logical and complete

I have identified critical path activities

I have established clear milestones for tracking progress

RACI Matrix Development

I have listed all key actions or decisions in my plan

For each item, I have identified who is:

Responsible (person doing the work)

Accountable (person ultimately answerable)

Consulted (people whose input is sought)

Informed (people kept updated on progress)

I have ensured every task has both R and A assigned

I have minimized the number of people accountable for each item

I have been judicious with consulted and informed categories

I have reviewed the matrix to ensure balanced workloads

I have communicated roles and responsibilities to all involved

Risk Mitigation Planning

I have identified potential risks to implementation

I have assessed each risk for likelihood and impact

I have prioritized high-likelihood, high-impact risks

I have developed specific mitigation strategies for priority risks

I have created contingency plans for if risks materialize

I have assigned responsibility for monitoring each risk

I have established early warning indicators for each risk

I have scheduled regular risk review sessions

Minimum Viable Implementation

I have identified the core value proposition of my solution

I have determined the simplest implementation that delivers this value

I have planned rapid implementation of this minimal version

I have established how to gather feedback from this initial implementation

I have planned iterations based on anticipated learnings

I have set clear criteria for evaluating the MVP’s success

I have prepared stakeholders for an iterative approach

Adaptation Planning

I have scheduled regular plan review cycles

I have established what will be assessed at each review:

What’s working as expected?

What’s not working as expected?

What have we learned?

What should we adjust?

I have created a living plan document that can evolve

I have developed a pivot framework for significant adaptations

I have identified which elements of the plan are flexible vs. fixed

I have established clear triggers for when adaptation is needed

Stakeholder Management

I have identified all stakeholders affected by implementation

I have assessed each stakeholder’s interests and concerns

I have developed a communication plan for each stakeholder group

I have planned how to address potential resistance

I have identified champions and early adopters

I have created opportunities for stakeholder input

I have established how to keep stakeholders updated on progress

Resource Planning

I have identified all resources needed for implementation:

People and skills

Time

Budget

Materials

Technology

Support services

I have confirmed resource availability

I have planned for resource constraints

I have identified contingency resources if needed

I have scheduled resources to align with the implementation timeline

Momentum Maintenance

I have broken long implementations into distinct phases with clear milestones

I have planned how to celebrate small wins visibly

I have created public commitments to increase accountability

I have designed implementation habits that don’t rely on motivation

I have established visual progress tracking methods

I have identified potential motivation challenges and how to address them

Feedback Mechanisms

I have designed quantitative feedback mechanisms

I have created qualitative feedback channels

I have established regular check-in points

I have developed clear indicators of success

I have planned how to gather user/customer feedback

I have created a system to document and act on feedback

I have set adaptation triggers based on specific feedback thresholds

Documentation

I have documented the complete implementation plan

I have created visual representations of the plan (timelines, flowcharts)

I have established how implementation progress will be recorded

I have planned how to document lessons learned

I have created templates for status reporting

I have established where and how documentation will be stored and shared

I have assigned responsibility for maintaining documentation

implementation_planning_checklist