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Prioritization matrix preview.

Prioritization matrix template

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Visualize your team’s highest and lowest priorities in one usable place

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Categories

  • Product Management
  • Page Template

KEY FEATURES

  • Prioritization

  • Team Collaboration

  • Team Alignment

Prioritization matrix preview.

A key factor of successful teamwork is knowing how to prioritize tasks. It's essential for productivity and keeps your whole team moving in the right direction.

But sometimes, the list of to-dos gets so long that prioritizing them becomes a daunting task in and of itself. As overwhelming as it can be, there's a way to break down your list into manageable pieces and find out which things matter the most to achieve your goals.

This prioritization matrix template can help you organize tasks into a clear visualization. It helps your team figure out what needs to be done first and ensures that everyone is aligned with the workflow of the project.

How to use the prioritization matrix template

  1. 1

    Create a to-do list

    You must be able to see every task that your team needs to tackle before trying to prioritize them all. Make an all-inclusive list of the things your team has to do for your project under your Backlog so that you can reference each one when it's time to create your matrix.

  2. 2

    Add the team’s top goals

    The key here is to list only the top goals that your team has agreed upon. Adding too many can derail the focus of your project, so it's best to add just a few. You'll use your goals as the point of reference for placing each task, so they should be written and available right above the matrix.

  3. 3

    Put each to-do into the prioritization matrix

    This part should take the most time as you and your team determine the level of impact and effort that each task has on your goals. Which tasks bring the most value to your goals? Are there some that are more urgent or time-sensitive than others? What consequence could you face for prioritizing one task over another? Questions like these should be addressed in a group discussion with the team and can help determine the scope of each to-do from the list you created earlier.

  4. 4

    Move each to-do to its corresponding list

    Based on the color each task falls on, list it under Must Do (green boxes), Nice to Have (yellow boxes), or Won't Do (red boxes). From both the matrix and these lists, your team will be able to visualize the priorities for your project and act accordingly to get the job done as efficiently as possible.

  5. 5

    Use Follow-ups

    It's important to communicate the status and results of each task to your entire team, stakeholders, and anyone else whose work may be affected. "@" mention a team member for each task and set a date for when you can follow up with questions and address any risks or concerns.

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