13+ Action Plan Examples

Visualize the realization of an idea or goal by making an action plan. Create yours with the help of these templates and Sample Plans.

When you choose to use an action plan,

• you can list out everything that needs to be done; and
• you can easily track your steps and your work’s progress.

So whether for a school project, an office task, or for your own personal goals, an action plan can help you see to your work’s completion. Below are plans drafted for various purposes. Learn how to make one that suits you and start organizing effectively for the accomplishment of your objectives.

Simple Action Plan Template

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Sample Business Action Plan Template

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Easy to Edit Sales Action Plan Template

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Employee Action Plan Template

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Asthma Action Plan Example

Communication Action Plan

Action Contingency Plan

 Development Action Plan

Action Research Plan Sample

If you have a goal in mind, or a task that needs to be fulfilled, an action plan maps out the steps that should take you to the finish line.

The Difference Between Action Plans and To-Do Lists

This very definition marks the difference between action plans and to-do lists. To-do lists tend to be general and can be for just about anything. You can jot down things you need to have or do as they come to mind. By contrast, action plans have a more unifying theme. Ideally, everything you put down has to be accomplished chronologically, and all these are directed toward the accomplishment of one goal or purpose.

Why Make an Action Plan?

For any objective, the journey from start to finish is very rarely on one straight road. If you only have this general picture in mind, chances are you could forget steps or turns to be taken along the way, making the process rather confusing and thus difficult to finish. An action plan smoothens and clarifies your process. It helps provide an easy reference for where you are at the moment with regards to your progress and for how much more needs to be done. It allows you to determine what your next step should be at just one glance.

Action plans can be for any purpose, regardless of size. It can be made to suit individual goals or big group projects. These templates are action plans that vary in project size or purpose.

How to Make an Action Plan

Quite simply, keep your broad objective in mind. Thereafter, determine the steps and actions that you need to take to be able to achieve this objective. Everything must be doable, and must be presented in a manner that suggests possible accomplishment, as with these Sample Affirmative Action Plans.

Inside an Action Plan

• The umbrella goal should clearly be stated, followed by
• The necessary steps and tasks toward its achievement, listed in a chronological and orderly manner.
• For big projects: the people involved and which specific tasks they are supposed to perform, and
• Contingency plans in case of foreseen emergencies or of things that could go wrong. For reference, see Sample Corrective Action Plans.

Biodiversity Action Plan

Economic Action Plan

Fire Emergency Action Plan

Joint Action Plan Sample

Project Action Plan PDF

The larger use for action plans commonly involves emergency situations, like these Sample Incident Action Plans. An incident action plan lists the course of actions that seek to manage and address the various difficulties that could arise from a given emergency situation.