How can you manage tasks that require input from others?

1 Define the scope and expectations

Before you start working on a task that requires input from others, make sure you have a clear understanding of the scope, expectations, and deliverables. What is the purpose and outcome of the task? Who are the key people involved and what are their roles and responsibilities? How will you communicate and share feedback? How will you measure and report progress? Having these details in writing can help you avoid confusion, ambiguity, and scope creep.

2 Prioritize and delegate

Once you have defined the scope and expectations, you need to prioritize and delegate the tasks that require input from others. Use a tool like the Eisenhower matrix to categorize your tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and neither urgent nor important. Focus on the tasks that are urgent and important, and delegate or outsource the tasks that are urgent but not important. Schedule the tasks that are important but not urgent, and eliminate or minimize the tasks that are neither urgent nor important. By prioritizing and delegating, you can save time, energy, and resources.

3 Communicate and collaborate

Communication and collaboration are essential for managing tasks that require input from others. You need to establish regular and effective communication channels with your team members, stakeholders, and clients. Use tools like email, chat, video conferencing, project management software, or shared documents to communicate and collaborate. Set clear and realistic deadlines, milestones, and expectations for each task. Provide constructive feedback and acknowledge contributions. Resolve conflicts and issues promptly and respectfully. By communicating and collaborating, you can build trust, rapport, and alignment.

4 Track and review

Tracking and reviewing your tasks that require input from others can help you monitor progress, identify risks, and ensure quality. Use tools like checklists, dashboards, reports, or feedback forms to track and review your tasks. Track the status, completion, and impact of each task. Review the results, challenges, and lessons learned from each task. Celebrate the successes and appreciate the efforts of your team members, stakeholders, and clients. By tracking and reviewing, you can improve performance, accountability, and satisfaction.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?