Setting a clear vision for a long-term project greatly enhances its chances of success by establishing direction, attainable goals, and realistic deadlines that help organizers complete tasks within the appropriate time frame.

Gantt charts visually represent the phases, tasks, and timeline of a project, providing a clear structure that allows the project to flourish while also giving project managers more flexibility to focus on other responsibilities and goals. By mapping out deadlines and dependencies, Gantt charts make it easier to anticipate potential challenges such as overlapping deadlines, conflicting dates, seasonal weather, or holidays. Although creating a Gantt chart may feel confusing at first, each project builds experience for future planning; the key is to maintain a clear list of goals, tasks, phases, and timeframes to guide the project to completion.

To create your Gantt Chart

1.Imagine what the end goal of the project is and write it down.

2. Identify and create a list of the phases and tasks that need to be taken in order to complete your project. The number of phases and tasks vary depending on the project. You can structure it like the one below.

PROJECT

• • PHASE 1:
    • TASK A
    • TASK B
    • TASK C
  • PHASE 2:
    • TASK A
    • TASK B
    • TASK C
  • PHASE 3:
    • TASK A
    • TASK B
    • TASK C

FINAL RESULT

3. Estimate the amount of time required for each task and, by extension, each phase of the project. With every project and Gantt chart you create, you gain experience and improve your ability to plan more accurately, developing a clearer understanding of how long tasks truly take rather than relying solely on initial estimates. Everyone has to start somewhere, and accuracy improves with practice.

4. Evaluate your time constraints and issues that might interfere with your timeline. Are there holidays that might change your schedule? Are there logistical issues that might affect your timing? Adapt the Gantt Chart if necessary.

5. Create your Gantt Chart by using this template. There are 2 sheets on this link. The first sheet has an example of a commercial production Gantt Chart. Go to the bottom of the page, on the left and click the blank template. Make a copy to create your own.

6.  Share the Gantt Chart with your stakeholders and assign tasks to your team.

Post your Gantt Chart to the path and comment on another person’s work.

To continue, return to the Module 4 Opportunity Card.