Why We Need Dates - Myrna Associates, Inc. (800) 207-8192

Why do we need dates on milestones?

At the top of the Progress Pyramid™ are the action steps that make your vision, mission, and strategy a reality. We follow the Texas Instruments W3 approach for defining these action milestones. What are you going to do. Who is going to do it. When will it be finished. From time to time I ask the planning team why dates are important and what, exactly, they represent.

What exactly do dates stand for?

Here is a compilation of some of the specific elements actual strategic planning team members have shared in response to the question What does the date in a milestone represent to you?

A date acts as a vehicle for communications.
A date creates certainty.
A date establishes a time to examine.
A date is a tool.
A date is accountability.
A date is assessment.
A date is commitment.
A date is communication.
A date is efficacy.
A date is expectations.
A date is external imposition.
A date is momentum.
A date is negotiation.
A date is reality.
A date is results.
A date is success.
A date is urgency.
A date is value, based on time.
A date provides a history.
A date provides a point of measure.
A date provides closure.
A date sets a clear objective.
A date sets a time frame.
A date signals an outcome.
A date signals commitment.

Without dates there is no commitment.

Compare the following statements of love:

"Someday lets get married honey."

"Lets get married Saturday, October 14th."

Always ask for a date. Always hold people accountable. But, never, never use a date as a club. Once you do you will never get an accurate date again.

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