Let’s start a couple of steps above goal and deadline. For example, let’s say that you have always wanted to visit France and decide to go there on your next vacation.
1.) Vision It is where you want to be; the end result.
2.) Mission It is why you want to go to France. You love art and want to visit the Lourve.
3.) Goal It is what you want to accomplish by going by going there. You have always wanted to see the Mona Lisa and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
4.) Strategy It is planning what it will take to accomplish the goal(s).
5.) Tasks There are all of the steps involved in accomplishing the goals, e.g. scheduling vacation time, booking travel arrangements, buying tickets, packing, etc.
6.) Person Responsible Who is responsible for completing each task. It could be you, a friend, a travel agent, a house-sitter, etc.
7.) Task Due Date Which tasks need to be done in a certain order, and when can they realistically accomplish it?
8.) Follow-up Whoever is the project manager needs to be responsible for ensuring that each task is delivered on time in order to effectively carry out the vision, and make adjustments accordingly.
When working with a client, communication is the key by mapping out the above steps. Almost everyone wants their vision completed fast, with quality, and cheap. As a co-worker says, “Pick two.”