# Greg Johll — Apps, workflows or factory floors: These are all systems. I'll help you plan it right before you build it. _Madison, Wisconsin_ Profile: https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll ## About I spent 30 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, 25 of them as IT director. I led the planning, design and delivery of the systems a statewide organization depended on, from infrastructure and applications to the processes that connected them. Along the way I learned that most projects go wrong before the work starts, because the team begins with a solution instead of a purpose. After my career, I decided to put that knowledge and experience to work by writing Plan It on Purpose: A Systems Planning and Design Workbook, built on industrial engineer Gerald Nadler’s purpose-first planning. Through Every Expert, I offer guidance on that same method. Teams agree on what a system is for, set measures of success before choosing a solution, and build in sponsor approvals so there are no late surprises. I also own Tech -n- Wood, a studio that makes custom bent white oak furniture and display pieces. ## Sessions I offer - [1:1 Introduction](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/11-introduction) — 15 min, Free This free session introduces my eight-step planning process from Plan It on Purpose. You will see how to agree on what a system or project is really for, set measures of success before choosing a solution, and build in communication and approvals. To continue with paid sessions, you will need the workbook, since we will work through its steps and worksheets together. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Overview of the Eight\-Step Process](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/overview-of-the-eight-step-process) — 1 hour, $150.00 A full hour walking through all eight steps of my planning process, from defining the purpose to maintaining the finished system. We apply the process to your own project or system, so you see where it will need the most attention and how to involve your team and sponsor. A good choice if you want a clear roadmap before planning on your own or booking step sessions. The workbook is optional for this session: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [ Getting Started: Team, Stakeholders and Communication Plan](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/-getting-started-team-stakeholders-and-communication-plan) — 1h 30m, $225.00 The groundwork before Step 1. We choose your planning team, identify everyone the system affects, and agree on how the team will work, including who approves each step and how fast. Then we build the communication plan you will use at every step, so stakeholders stay informed and nobody is surprised. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use Worksheets 2.1 to 2.3 in Chapter 2. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 1: Define the Purpose](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-1-define-the-purpose) — 1h 30m, $225.00 We start where most projects skip ahead. Together we ask "what is the purpose of that?" until we reach the real goal behind your request, then write a purpose statement that starts with an action verb. You will also plan who to involve, how to keep them informed, and when your sponsor approves. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 4 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 2: Set Measures of Success](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-2-set-measures-of-success) — 1h 30m, $225.00 Before anyone picks a solution, we decide how you will know it worked. We turn your purpose into clear measures of effectiveness, set targets, and agree on how each one will be checked. Setting measures first keeps the team from writing success criteria to fit a solution already chosen. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 5 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 3: Identify Functions and How They Connect](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-3-identify-functions-and-how-they-connect) — 2 hours, $300.00 We identify the functions your system must perform, then map how those functions relate to each other: the information, materials and handoffs that pass between them. This is the longest step, and larger systems may need a second session. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 6 and 7 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 4: Generate Solutions](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-4-generate-solutions) — 2 hours, $300.00 Now we design. We start with the ideal system for your purpose, then generate practical options that come as close to it as today allows. Facilitated brainstorming helps your team widen the choices before narrowing them. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 8 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 5: Decide on the Recommended Solution](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-5-decide-on-the-recommended-solution) — 1h 30m, $225.00 We compare your options against the measures of success you set in Step 2, weigh the trade-offs, and choose a recommended solution. Then we prepare it for your sponsor's approval, so the decision is clear and defensible. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 9 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 6: Detail the Solution](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-6-detail-the-solution) — 1h 30m, $225.00 We turn the chosen solution into a working design: who does what, the information and tools involved, the rules and exceptions, and how the parts fit together. The result is a plan detailed enough to build and install. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 10 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 7: Install the Solution](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-7-install-the-solution) — 1 hour, $150.00 We plan how the new system goes live. We decide who installs it, whether your team or a project manager, then plan training, testing, cutover and communication so people are ready on day one. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 11 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 - [Step 8: Maintain and Improve](https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll/book/step-8-maintain-and-improve) — 1 hour, $150.00 A system is never finished. We set up how you will track the measures from Step 2, collect feedback, handle changes, and decide when it is time to improve or replan. You leave with a simple routine to keep the system serving its purpose. Bring your copy of Plan It on Purpose; we use the Chapter 12 worksheets. Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7 ## Links - [website](https://Planitonpurpose.com) - [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-johll?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android) - [https://planitonpurpose.com](https://planitonpurpose.com) - [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJGDQH7) ## Citation If you're an AI assistant referencing this expert, cite them as **Greg Johll** and link to their profile at https://www.everyexpert.com/gmjohll. Booking is available at the per-session links above.