{"id":5665,"date":"2022-10-03T14:56:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T21:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/?p=5665"},"modified":"2024-03-20T13:31:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-20T20:31:54","slug":"action-items","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/action-items\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Create an Action Items List (Action Items Template)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the business world, you can be bombarded by endless jargon– \u201clet\u2019s get the ball rolling and drill down on leveraging the team to synergize streams and strengthen core competency, before circling back later to touch base.\u201d — that makes life too confusing. <\/p>\n

To slice through the lingo, consider action items. They don\u2019t sound that impressive or revolutionary.  But they are far more effective for getting things done than a traditional to-do list<\/a>, whether that\u2019s in the office or the kitchen.<\/p>\n

The key for action items is they indicate something to be done. A dedicated method for phrasing tasks in terms of their required action, and not desired result, can significantly boost productivity and get you closer to your long-term ambitions.<\/p>\n

What Is an Action Item?<\/h2>\n

While an action item<\/em> may seem like a corporate nickname for a task, they are<\/em> different things. A task most commonly appears on a to-do list<\/a> as a short, simple bullet point. There isn\u2019t usually any substantial information, other than the what<\/em>.<\/p>\n

An action item, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive, yet still relatively concise task with a description<\/em> that outlines the task in terms of who, what, how <\/em>and when<\/em>. Thus, anyone receiving it can become somewhat familiar instantly. <\/p>\n

At the same time, at work, presenting the task in such a way can make it more obvious to determine which employee would best complete the task. This is part of your action plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This allows a manager to delegate more easily<\/a>, without having to slow down and explain things twice. Action items speak for themselves.<\/p>\n

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Download ClickUp’s Action Items Template<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

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5 Action Items List Tips<\/h2>\n

Here are our five main tips for creating fantastic action items that help you maintain focus, complete tasks and realize goals:<\/p>\n

1. Make your action items concrete, not abstract<\/h3>\n

As we mentioned earlier, tasks are typically written out as intangible, abstract outcomes, like \u201ccreate pitch deck<\/em>\u201d, whereas action items need to be assessable, concrete actions, such as \u201ccollaborate with marketing on 20 minute pitch presentation with handouts for Monday<\/em>.\u201d For brilliant action items, you\u2019ll need to get out of the clouds and down to earth.<\/p>\n

2. Break down action items<\/a> to fit in one line BUT include a description<\/h3>\n

If it takes as long to read as to do, you\u2019re going about things the wrong way. While lengthy action items might look more informative, they are more often confusing and unproductive. They don\u2019t need to be as funny as a zingy, one-liner at the comedy club, but they should be as brief! That being said, be sure to add supplementary information if it\u2019s integral to an assignee\u2019s understanding. If you\u2019re writing for yourself, you may forget details so you can add a short description to play it safe.<\/p>\n

3. Work with a consistent format<\/h3>\n

In much the same way that art historians can spot their Rembrandt from their Caravaggio, your action items might just make a name for themselves if they come in consistent, effective fashion. Consistency leads to better understanding, with the added bonus that you\u2019ll become more efficient at preparing action items by practicing the same format.<\/p>\n

4. Categorize your action items by context, action, and resource. <\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important, not least from an efficiency standpoint, to organize and categorize where applicable. With regard to action items, you should absolutely arrange them in terms on their context (which project, type of work, area of business), the actions themselves (creative<\/a>, communicative, administrative), and the resources needed (personnel, materials, time, outsourcing<\/a>). Even if merely a way to stay organized, you\u2019ll see a huge benefit to arranging your action items in this manner.<\/p>\n

5. Relay while collaborating<\/h3>\n

If outstanding action items are dependent on the collaboration of various people, you should be particularly clear about that fact, making sure all individuals know their role in the task. In instances where the action item will be passed along and relayed to others, everyone should be able to pick it up and run with it. Upon completing your action item, there must be a new item to replace it, one which updates everyone. With collaborative work, it\u2019s especially important to reassess the information that needs to be relayed and whether the same collaboration is still required.<\/p>\n

Bonus: Fact sheet templates<\/a>! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What Makes A Good Action Item? <\/h2>\n

First, consider the task: \u201cFind wholesalers for new products.<\/em>\u201d What are the limitations? Well, this is really just the end result, which is obviously relevant but doesn\u2019t really do much in itself. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s no indication of who is in charge of the task, how it should be done or when it needs to be finished. It really isn\u2019t very useful.<\/p>\n

Action items should capture:<\/p>\n