Construct-ing a Memo
Overview
Every problem is a communication problem. And, relying only on verbal communication is a recipe for failure. And, conversely, writing things down in a format that communicates precisely is a delicious cub cake of delightful project management nirvana.
Example
To: Barack Obama
Date: May 14, 2012
Subject: Follow up to meeting may 12, 2013 (attended: You, Myself, Michelle, Sasha)
CC: Michelle, Sasha
Thank you for fitting me into your busy schedule. Though your charming new dog, Sunny, chewed a hole in my shoe, I believe she is a fine candidate for agility training.
Our goal will be to have Sunny and Sasha ready to compete in the beginners event at the Martha's Vineyard Fall Classic.
Goals for Sunny
Improve stamina (she slows at the end of the course a bit)
Overcome fear of teeter-totter
Goals for Sasha
Learn hand signals
Learn voice commands
Action Plan
Set up course on south lawn (I will have a crew there Thursday, May 17... it will take one day).
Training every Tuesday with myself, Sunny and Sasha... May 22 - Sept. 21.
Attend the Fall classic with Sasha and Michelle on October 2nd.
Sincerely
Edwina Snickity, Dog Trainer
edwina@snickitytraining.com
1-800-snickit
Deconstruction
Header
To: Barack Obama
Date: May 14, 2012
Subject: Follow up to meeting may 12, 2013 (attended: You, Myself, Michelle, Sasha)
CC: Michelle, Sasha
Greeting
Thank you for fitting me into your busy schedule. Though your charming new dog, Sunny, chewed a hole in my shoe, I believe she is a fine candidate for agility training.
Goals
Our goal will be to have Sunny and Sasha ready to compete in the beginners event at the Martha's Vineyard Fall Classic.
Goals for Sunny:
Improve stamina (she slows at the end of the course a bit)
Overcome fear of teeter-totter
Goals for Sasha
Learn hand signals
Learn voice commands
Actions
Action Plan:
Set up course on south lawn (I will have a crew there Thursday, May 17... it will take one day).
Training every Tuesday with myself, Sunny and Sasha... May 22 - Sept. 21.
Attend the Fall classic with Sasha and Michelle on October 2nd.
Sign-Off
Sincerely
Edwina Snickity, Dog Trainer
edwina@snickitytraining.com
1-800-snickit