Initiatives
Strategic efforts spanning multiple projects
Initiatives are strategic efforts that span multiple projects. They bridge the gap between high-level goals and concrete project work.
What is an Initiative?
An initiative is a coordinated effort to achieve a strategic objective:
- Multi-project - Spans several related projects
- Strategic - Aligned with organizational goals
- Time-bound - Has a defined timeframe
- Measurable - Has clear success criteria
Initiative Examples
Product Initiative
"Launch mobile app by Q3" might include:
- iOS development project
- Android development project
- Backend API project
- Marketing launch project
Business Initiative
"Expand to European market" might include:
- Localization project
- Compliance project
- Partnership project
- Marketing project
Initiative vs Goal
| Aspect | Goal | Initiative |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aspirational outcome | Strategic effort |
| Timeframe | Long-term (years) | Medium-term (quarters) |
| Measurement | Outcome metrics | Deliverable completion |
| Contains | Initiatives | Projects |
Next Steps
- Set goals to guide your initiatives
- Create projects within your initiatives