{"id":1672,"date":"2022-03-02T20:37:45","date_gmt":"2022-03-02T13:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/?p=1672"},"modified":"2022-03-02T20:37:45","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T13:37:45","slug":"how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Develop Work Packages That Drive Results"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Why_Work_Packages_Matter_More_Than_You_Think\" >Why Work Packages Matter More Than You Think<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#What_Is_a_Work_Package\" >What Is a Work Package?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#How_Detailed_Should_a_Work_Package_Be\" >How Detailed Should a Work Package Be?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#For_Experienced_Team_Members\" >For Experienced Team Members:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#For_Less_Experienced_Team_Members\" >For Less Experienced Team Members:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#For_Specialized_Tasks\" >For Specialized Tasks:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Components_of_an_Effective_Work_Package\" >Components of an Effective Work Package<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#1_Task_Overview\" >1. Task Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#2_Scope_of_Work\" >2. Scope of Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#3_Deliverables\" >3. Deliverables<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#4_Success_Criteria\" >4. Success Criteria<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#5_Resources_and_Reference_Documents\" >5. Resources and Reference Documents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#6_Assigned_Owner\" >6. Assigned Owner<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#7_Timeline\" >7. Timeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#8_Dependencies_and_Risks\" >8. Dependencies and Risks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#How_to_Develop_Work_Packages_That_Actually_Work\" >How to Develop Work Packages That Actually Work<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Step_1_Start_With_Your_WBS\" >Step 1: Start With Your WBS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Step_2_Collaborate_With_Experts\" >Step 2: Collaborate With Experts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Step_3_Adjust_Detail_Based_on_Role_and_Experience\" >Step 3: Adjust Detail Based on Role and Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Step_4_Document_It_Clearly\" >Step 4: Document It Clearly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Step_5_Review_and_Align\" >Step 5: Review and Align<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Bonus_A_Work_Package_Example_Schedule_Training\" >Bonus: A Work Package Example (Schedule Training)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-work-packages-that-drive-results\/#Why_It_Pays_to_Get_Work_Packages_Right\" >Why It Pays to Get Work Packages Right<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Work_Packages_Matter_More_Than_You_Think\"><\/span>Why Work Packages Matter More Than You Think<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the high-pressure world of project management, a brief line item on a Gantt chart or WBS simply isn\u2019t enough to guide real execution. <strong>A work package isn&#8217;t just a box to tick\u2014it&#8217;s the foundation of clarity, accountability, and project momentum.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yet teams are often handed a vague task description and expected to deliver. That\u2019s where many projects go off track.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m <strong>Steven Sondang<\/strong>, a <strong>Digital Marketer and Business Strategy Specialist with over 15 years of experience<\/strong>, and I\u2019ve worked with global project teams, startups, and cross-functional marketing squads. In each case, the most successful initiatives had one thing in common: <strong>crystal-clear task ownership, detailed deliverables, and unambiguous success metrics.<\/strong> That\u2019s the power of a well-developed work package.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s explore how to build work packages that not only organise your project\u2014but empower your team to deliver their best.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Work_Package\"><\/span>What Is a Work Package?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A <strong>work package<\/strong> is the smallest unit of work in a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). It is a clearly defined group of tasks that together produce a deliverable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But a task name isn\u2019t enough.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A strong work package goes beyond the label. It includes:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li><strong>A detailed task description<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Deliverables and success criteria<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Timelines and dependencies<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Assigned team or individual<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Reference documents, if applicable<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Think of it as a mini playbook\u2014something that tells your team not just what to do, but how to do it well.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Detailed_Should_a_Work_Package_Be\"><\/span>How Detailed Should a Work Package Be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>That depends on <strong>who is doing the work and how familiar they are with it.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Experienced_Team_Members\"><\/span><strong>For Experienced Team Members:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>A checklist of outcomes might be enough.<\/li>\n<li>You can link to existing documents or SOPs.<\/li>\n<li>Use references to similar past projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Less_Experienced_Team_Members\"><\/span><strong>For Less Experienced Team Members:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Include step-by-step instructions.<\/li>\n<li>Define what \u201cdone\u201d looks like with clear criteria.<\/li>\n<li>Use diagrams, screenshots, or annotated mockups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Specialized_Tasks\"><\/span><strong>For Specialized Tasks:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Collaborate with subject-matter experts.<\/li>\n<li>Reference external documentation where needed.<\/li>\n<li>Provide contextual background if the task ties into broader business goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Adapt the depth of your work package based on context. Over-documentation slows momentum; under-documentation breeds confusion.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Components_of_an_Effective_Work_Package\"><\/span>Components of an Effective Work Package<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s a structure I\u2019ve used across marketing, tech, and cross-functional teams:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Task_Overview\"><\/span><strong>1. Task Overview<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Provide a summary of the work and why it matters to the project. Keep it short\u2014but make the purpose clear.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Scope_of_Work\"><\/span><strong>2. Scope of Work<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Define the boundaries of the task. What is included\u2014and what is explicitly not included?<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Deliverables\"><\/span><strong>3. Deliverables<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>What will be produced once this task is completed? Be specific:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Files to be delivered<\/li>\n<li>Reports to be submitted<\/li>\n<li>Features to be completed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Success_Criteria\"><\/span><strong>4. Success Criteria<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>How will you know the task is done\u2014and done well? Define measurable standards:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Functionality meets X requirement<\/li>\n<li>X stakeholder approves the document<\/li>\n<li>Output integrates cleanly with the Y system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Resources_and_Reference_Documents\"><\/span><strong>5. Resources and Reference Documents<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Link to brand guidelines, technical docs, style guides, templates, or tools that support the task.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Assigned_Owner\"><\/span><strong>6. Assigned Owner<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Who is responsible for executing this work package?<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Timeline\"><\/span><strong>7. Timeline<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Start date, end date, and key milestones or reviews.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Dependencies_and_Risks\"><\/span><strong>8. Dependencies and Risks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>What does this task depend on\u2014and what might prevent it from being completed on time?<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>The clearer the package, the fewer follow-ups your team will need\u2014and the better they\u2019ll deliver.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Develop_Work_Packages_That_Actually_Work\"><\/span>How to Develop Work Packages That Actually Work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Start_With_Your_WBS\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Start With Your WBS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your WBS outlines the structure of your entire project. Begin here to identify key components that require individual work packages.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Collaborate_With_Experts\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Collaborate With Experts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As a project manager, you\u2019re not expected to know every technical detail. <strong>Loop in technical leads, developers, designers, or marketers who can help define the real scope and deliverables.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Adjust_Detail_Based_on_Role_and_Experience\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Adjust Detail Based on Role and Experience<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not every team member needs the same level of direction. Tailor your packages to suit the person executing the task.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Document_It_Clearly\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Document It Clearly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use tools like Notion, Confluence, or Google Docs to write work packages that are accessible, collaborative, and easily updated.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Review_and_Align\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Review and Align<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Have both the task owner and the team lead sign off. Ensure everyone understands what success looks like.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_A_Work_Package_Example_Schedule_Training\"><\/span>Bonus: A Work Package Example (Schedule Training)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s say you\u2019re assigning a \u201cSchedule Training\u201d task to your project. Here\u2019s how you might structure it:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Task Overview:<\/strong> Coordinate internal scheduling tool training for new hires.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Scope:<\/strong> Includes creation of training slides, scheduling two live sessions, and recording one for documentation. Excludes post-training feedback survey.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deliverables:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>1 slide deck (20\u201330 slides)<\/li>\n<li>2 live Zoom training sessions conducted<\/li>\n<li>1 recorded video uploaded to internal LMS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Success Criteria:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>All participants complete training by the deadline<\/li>\n<li>Positive feedback score of 4.5+\/5 from participants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Assigned To:<\/strong> Sarah Chen<\/p>\n<p><strong>Timeline:<\/strong> Sept 5\u2013Sept 15<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dependencies:<\/strong> Needs access to current tool documentation; booking team availability<\/p>\n<p><strong>Risks:<\/strong> Scheduling conflicts with the sales team; outdated LMS upload process<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_It_Pays_to_Get_Work_Packages_Right\"><\/span>Why It Pays to Get Work Packages Right<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In my career, I\u2019ve seen too many projects suffer because of unclear expectations. It\u2019s not the talent\u2014the <strong>translation of task to action<\/strong> that breaks down.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Work packages bridge that gap.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>They create alignment, reduce friction, speed up delivery, and increase team morale because people know exactly what\u2019s expected of them.<\/p>\n<p>If your current workflow involves vague handoffs, repeated follow-ups, and unclear outputs\u2014<strong>it\u2019s time to rethink how you define work.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve implemented this framework with high-performing teams in SaaS, agencies, B2B tech, and startups, scaling from 10 to 100 people. It works.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Work Packages Matter More Than You Think In the high-pressure world of project management,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9626,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","meta_keywords":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"How to develop work packages"},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"newstopic":[],"class_list":["post-1672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-practical-management"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1672"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1672\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1672"},{"taxonomy":"newstopic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newstopic?post=1672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}