The Critical Path Tool

Get clarity on what really drives your project forward.

Ever felt like your project has a hundred moving parts - but you’re not sure which ones actually matter most?

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a simple, powerful planning tool that helps you identify the longest chain of dependent tasks that directly determines the success (or delay) of your project.

When you know your critical path, you can focus your energy where it counts—without getting lost in the noise.

When is the best time to use this tool?

▪️ Planning or delivering a complex project

▪️ Prioritising under pressure

▪️ Identifying project bottlenecks

▪️ Helping a team stay focused on what moves the needle

How to use:

The Critical Path Method is about mapping tasks and spotting dependencies. Here’s how to keep it simple:

Step 1 – List all tasks

Break the project down into all the individual activities or milestones.

Step 2 – Identify dependencies

Which tasks rely on others being completed first? Note the sequence.

Step 3 – Estimate durations

Roughly how long will each task take? (Be realistic, not idealistic.)

Step 4 – Map the path

Draw the full flow of tasks from start to finish. The longest path of dependent tasks is your critical path.

Step 5 – Focus your effort

Any delay in the critical path = delay in the whole project. That’s where your attention should go.

Example: Project:

Launching a new team onboarding programme

Task A: Define success criteria (2 days)
Task B: Draft onboarding plan (5 days) [after A]
Task C: Build welcome materials (4 days) [after B]
Task D: Schedule sessions (2 days) [after B]
Task E: Deliver first session (1 day) [after C & D]

Critical Path: A → B → C → E = 12 days

(Delaying Task D doesn’t affect overall timeline—it’s not on the critical path.)

Pro tips:

▪️ Recheck your critical path as the project evolves.

▪️ Don’t waste energy optimising non-critical tasks.

▪️ Use simple flow diagrams or sticky notes to visualise.

Quick Version:

(For Your Planning Board or Team Session)

01 What are all the major tasks?

02 Which ones depend on others?

03 How long will each take?

04 What’s the longest dependency chain?

05 That’s your critical path.

Key Takeaway

The Critical Path Method helps you spot what truly drives your project forward—so you can focus your energy on the tasks that matter most and avoid getting derailed by distractions.

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