Capturing Actions
MilestonePlanner turns goals into action. Break down your milestones into specific, actionable tasks that can be assigned and tracked to completion.
What are Actions?
Milestones can be broken down into smaller steps. These actions represent specific tasks or commitments that need to be completed in order to meet the milestone. Actions are assigned to a person in the plan, either by themselves, or by someone else.
Why Use Actions?
Turn Goals into Action
Traditional task lists end up as an ever-expanding wish list, but in MilestonePlanner actions are created against specific milestones, making them purpose-driven.
Clear Visibility
See at a glance what the next action is for any milestone, and if it is started or completed. No more wondering what needs to be done next.
Connected to Milestones
When a milestone moves, its actions move with it. This maintains the logical connection between your goals and the work needed to achieve them.
Capture Commitments
It's an incredibly powerful way to capture your commitments and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
How to Create Actions
Click on a Milestone
Start by clicking on the milestone you want to break down into actions. This opens the milestone details view.
Add an Action
Click the "add action" button or link to create a new action. Give it a clear, specific description of what needs to be done.
Assign Ownership
Assign the action to a specific person - this could be yourself or another team member. Clear ownership is essential for accountability.
Set Status
Actions can be marked as "unstarted", "in progress" or "complete". Update the status as work progresses to keep everyone informed.
Action Status Indicators
Unstarted
The action has been identified but work hasn't begun yet.
In Progress
Work is currently underway on this action.
Complete
The action has been finished and the work is done.
Best Practices for Actions
Be specific: Write actions as concrete tasks that can be clearly completed
Keep them focused: Break large tasks into smaller, manageable actions
Assign clearly: Every action should have a single person responsible for it
Update regularly: Keep action status current to maintain team awareness
Link to milestones: Ensure every action clearly contributes to achieving a milestone
Examples of Good Actions
For Milestone: "Website Launch Ready"
- ✅ Review and approve final content for homepage
- ✅ Complete user acceptance testing on contact form
- ✅ Set up Google Analytics tracking code
- ✅ Configure SSL certificate for production domain
For Milestone: "Marketing Campaign Launched"
- ✅ Create social media posts for first week
- ✅ Design and order print materials
- ✅ Brief sales team on campaign messaging
- ✅ Set up campaign tracking in CRM system