What, Why, ... How?

Answer "what, why, when, where, who, and how" questions to ensures clarity, alignment to any plan

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Last edited
Dec 23, 2024
Created by
Nova

About this process

Answering the "what, why, when, where, who, and how" questions in a proposal ensures clarity, alignment, and thoroughness, giving stakeholders confidence in the plan.

The process in detail

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1. Answering questions...

Answering the "what, why, when, where, who, and how" questions in a proposal ensures clarity, alignment, and thoroughness, giving stakeholders confidence in the plan.

Here's why each question is essential and the most powerful questions to ask at each stage:

👉What?

Defines the core idea, scope, and deliverables of the project or strategy.

Powerful Questions:

•What problem are we solving, and why is it important?
•What specific outcomes do we aim to achieve?
•What resources or tools are required to accomplish this?
•What risks or challenges should we anticipate?
•What metrics will determine success?

🧐Why?

Establishes the rationale, importance, and benefits of the proposal.

Powerful Questions:

•Why is this project or strategy needed now?
•Why should this take priority over other initiatives?
•Why is this the best solution compared to alternatives?
•Why will stakeholders or customers support this?
•Why is this approach aligned with our long-term goals or mission?

⏲When?

Outlines the timeline, milestones, and deadlines.

Powerful Questions:

•When does this project need to start and finish?
•When should key milestones be completed?
•When will resources be available, and how does this impact timing?
•When will we evaluate progress and adapt the plan?
•When do external factors or market conditions make this most feasible?

🌎Where?

Defines the physical or virtual location and context for implementation.

Powerful Questions:

•Where will this project take place (physical or operational domains)?
•Where are the key opportunities for implementation or growth?
•Where are potential obstacles or resistance likely to arise?
•Where will the outputs or outcomes of this strategy have the greatest impact?
•Where can we pilot or test this approach before full-scale deployment?

👩‍🤷‍♀‍🥷🦸‍♂‍Who?

Identifies stakeholders, decision-makers, and team members involved.

Powerful Questions:

•Who will benefit most from this initiative?
•Who will lead, support, and execute the project?
•Who needs to approve this proposal, and how can we engage them?
•Who are the potential blockers, and how can we address their concerns?
•Who are our partners, competitors, or collaborators in this effort?

👀🦵How?

Describes the process, methodology, and strategies for implementation.

Powerful Questions:

•How will we execute the project step by step?
•How will we measure progress and success?
•How will we manage risks and handle unexpected challenges?
•How will we communicate progress to stakeholders?
•How will we ensure sustainability or scalability of the outcomes?

When crafting your proposal, asking these powerful questions ensures a robust foundation and demonstrates thorough preparation and foresight.

New Board
  • What exactly do we/I want to achieve? What are the facts? What would happen if we no decision was made or solution found? What do I need in order to find a solution?
  • Why do I want to achieve this solution? Why did the problem or opportunity arise?Why do I need to find a solution? Ask 5 Whys
  • How would the situation be different? How relevant is the information I am gathering (and how would i use it?)? How can this be implemented? How can we make it more visual and clear for everyone involved? How can I involve relevant people?
  • When did the issue arise? How often it happens? When do we need to act? When do we expect to finalize it or by when should this be resolved?
  • Where did the issue arise? Where does it impact? Is the "where" important?And if SO, WHY? Where should be promoted?
  • Who I am trying to help? Who cares about this situation? Who will be affected by changes? Who is involved (informed, accountable?)?
  • Success metrics
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Created byNova·Official process
Last edited Dec 23, 2024·1 step