Free 40+ Exceptional Action Item Templates (MS Word & Excel)

You can create a matrix of action items in a number of methods, but an action items template is the most effective one. This template is an easy way to keep track of your action items for various goals. Using an action item list will be very helpful in ensuring that all of your action items go successfully.

Action Item Templates Samples

What is a list of action items?

An action item is a task or piece of labor that is completed as a result of a meeting. Usually, it’s an action that results from a discussion but is not essential to achieving the goals of the meeting. Project managers can explicitly arrange the work with an action item tracker to ensure that he assigns and records the relevant activities.

You can include a list of action items that need corrective actions in an action items list template. To make sure that the actions are taken in the order of importance, you can list the things in the action register. All of the data and crucial documents pertaining to the action items are also included in the action items template.

Action Item List Templates

Common Templates For Action Items

You list every item that requires correction in an action items template. You have the option of starting from scratch or downloading and using an action items list template. In either case, you should be aware of the kind of template you require for your particular project or business. Action item lists come in a variety of popular formats, including:

Corrective Action

You can see all the specifics of the problems and action items in this kind of template. Include the name of your business and the date of the audit. Include the document’s log number as well as any concerns with the action items and the appropriate corrective measures.

Add the correction deadline and a field for the completion date to finish off the template. This makes people in charge of implementing corrective action for the assigned action items accountable.

Decisive Action

The choices you must make in connection to the corrective activities are described in this kind of template. Include the time and date of the meeting as well as a list of everyone who attended. Make sure the choice of the decisive step is detailed in every way.

Include the title of the decision-maker, the relative importance of the action items, and the persons who will be updated on the status and development of any decisive or corrective actions.

Project Management Action

This kind of template offers information about the action items in your project, their priority levels, the due dates for reports, and who is responsible for completing the action items. Include the status of the corrective steps as well to ensure the project runs smoothly.

Priority Action

Making a list of the action items in this kind of template and ranking them by importance. The description of the issue, the person in charge, the location, and the current state of the problem should then be included. Include a field for the resolution of each action item as well as the dates on which it was completed.

Action Item Trackers

Advice on how to create better action items

When you have a lot of tasks to manage throughout a certain project or event, an action item tracker is crucial. You may get all the information you need to know about what needs to be done when by creating a well-written and ordered action register template. To create a better action items template, take into account following suggestions:

Do not forget that the “capture phase” is distinct from the “process phase.”

The process comprises two phases: the capture phase and the process phase, regardless of the type of template you choose to list your action items. You simply make a list of every action item you can think of during the capture phase.

You begin examining these action items throughout the process phase. You consider their importance, who should handle tasks, the completion deadlines to be set, and other factors. As a result, this stage is far more crucial than the first.

Write the action items as if someone else will be reading them

When you make action item lists, you typically only provide the action items as short codes to serve as a reminder. This might be useful if the template is exclusively for your own use, but it won’t be very useful if other people also need to use the list as a reference.

Because of this, create the action items in language that would be understandable to someone else. This makes everything in your template simple to comprehend, which in turn clarifies it for all parties involved.

Use verb-noun constructions from the beginning.

Verb-noun constructions are very helpful since they outline the required actions for each of the action items. These kinds of comments bring about action automatically, which is what you want. The reason for this is that those who read the action items don’t have to determine what they should do.

The use of verb-noun constructions also makes it clear when it’s necessary to break down a given action item into smaller, manageable portions. The verbs also describe how much effort is required to finish the task in question.

In your template, provide fields for crucial dates

Action items must be of the utmost importance or you won’t include them in your action item tracker. Each of the action items must be handled or completed for the project to advance. It’s crucial to add fields for critical dates in your template because of this.

Affirm who will be in control of each action item

This portion can occasionally be a little challenging, especially if you’re working with a sizable team. However, you must take this action because it is crucial. How will the action item be fulfilled if no one is designated to handle it?

Each of the action items is held accountable when it is given to a specific person, group, or committee. They will work hard to fulfill the deadline as long as they are aware of it, especially if there will be consequences if they don’t.

Give the action items context in the form of notes or remarks

Always make sure to give each action item on your list some context. Give a backgrounder or a description that highlights the significance of the goods. As a result, the readers will be able to perform the jobs with greater efficiency.

Best Action Item Templates

Using your template for action items

You can record all of the messages, problems, or activities that you’ve identified throughout your meetings in an action items list, which is a very significant document. They contain all the information regarding the problems and the times they happened. They also include all other pertinent details about these action items.

You can easily handle all of the action items by creating this template. Of course, if you want to get the most out of the template, you should also be able to use it well. Here are some suggestions to assist you:

◉ When making alterations, notes, or updates to your template, be sure to provide all the information.
◉ Verify that a specific person or organization has been designated to carry out each of the action items. Include their deadlines as well, particularly if they are urgent ones.
◉ Use the phrase ASAP to convey the urgency of an action item if you are unable to recall its due date but are aware that it is important.
◉ Use a software program and format that you are quite familiar with to create the template. In this manner, any time you need to make adjustments, you may quickly manage it.