Create a 1-3-5 Action Plan

A 1-3-5 Action Plan is a simple, focused way to turn big engagement goals into clear, actionable steps your team can own together. The plan includes 1 goal, 3 strategies, and 5 tactics.

Begin by identifying one goal for the 1-3-5 plan as the priority area for your team’s engagement. Make your goal SMART:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

This 1 SMART goal will give everyone a clear target to work toward. An example team goal for improving elements that drive engagement is: 1“Improve team recognition so every member feels valued weekly by the end of the next quarter.”1

Turn your 1 goal into a 3 strategies for pursuing and achieving that goal. Using “How might we…” questions is an extremely effective way for the team to discus and identify these strategies. The “How might we…” prompts help you brainstorm different ways to achieve your goal. Each answer becomes a strategy.

Example “How Might We” Questions and Strategies:

• How might we make appreciation part of our team rituals?
  Strategy 1: Integrate recognition into regular meetings.
• How might we encourage peer-to-peer recognition?
  Strategy 2: Launch a peer shout-out board.
• How might we ensure everyone gets recognized?
  Strategy 3: Track and rotate recognition opportunities.

For each strategy, define specific actions or tactics your team will take to drive goal achievement. These become the 5 tactics of your 1-3-5 action plan. You can use the RACI model to clarify team roles for executing these tactics:

• Responsible: Who will do the work?
• Accountable: Who ensures it gets done?
• Consulted: Who gives input?
• Informed: Who needs to be kept in the loop?

Example Tactics with RACI Assignments:

By breaking your goal into three strategies and five concrete tactics—with clear ownership—you create a roadmap your team can follow and measure. This structure keeps everyone aligned, accountable, and moving forward together.