Simplicable Guide

40 Examples of Action Items

John Spacey, September 23, 2015 updated on March 17, 2023

Action items are lightweight tasks or goals that are assigned to a person for completion. They are typically time-bound and are tracked by a manager or project manager for completion. Various methods may be used to track action items such as meeting minutes, action plans and task lists associated with a team, working group or project. The following are illustrative examples of action items.

Research something	Perform an analysis
Deliver a presentation	Create a plan
Organize a meeting	Schedule an event
Contact a stakeholder	Draft a communication
Review a document	Apply edits to a document
Revise a document or communication	Proofread a document
Deliver training	Complete or attend training
Develop some code	Implement a plan
Monitor a process	Evaluate a proposal
Adjust a plan	Improve a process
Update stakeholders	Upgrade a system
Solve a problem	Test a change
Submit a change request	Document a requirement
Evaluate a plan	Measure business results
Forecast sales	Develop a budget
Purchase something	Negotiate a contract
Interview a job candidate	Track a shipment
Follow-up with a customer	Respond to a request
Resolve an issue	Develop a report
Document a decision	Submit a request

Action items are assigned in meetings, conversations and in communications such as emails. They are tracked with simple trackers with a description, assigned person, date assigned, target date and percent complete field.

Overview: Action Items
Type	Action Plan
Definition	Lightweight tasks or goals that are assigned to a person for completion.
Function	Delegation Coordinating work Tracking work progress
Tracked With	Description Assigned person Date assigned Target date Percent Complete
Value	Lightweight process for coordinating work.
Common Pitfalls	Assigning major work such as projects as action items. Assigning impossible tasks. Failure to document or track action items.
Related Concepts	Action Plan »