> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ironoctopus.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Initiatives

> A larger goal that Iron Octopus plans as a set of features.

An initiative is a goal too big for one feature, such as "let clients book and pay online". Iron Octopus plans it as a set of features, and you decide whether the plan is right before any of them are created.

## When you get one

You don't need to choose. When you describe an idea, Iron Octopus sizes it. If it's small, it becomes one [feature](https://docs.ironoctopus.ai/building-blocks/features.md). If it's larger, Iron Octopus recommends an initiative and explains why.

## What it contains

* **A plan**: the features Iron Octopus proposes, in order, what's deliberately left out, and the [requirements](https://docs.ironoctopus.ai/building-blocks/requirements.md) for each feature.
* **The features** created from the approved plan. Each one then goes through planning, building and release on its own.

## Stages

| Stage | What it means |
| - | - |
| Shaping | You and Iron Octopus are working out the goal. |
| Plan proposed | A plan is ready for your decision. |
| Plan approved | You approved the plan, and its features are created. |
| Cancelled | The initiative was stopped. |

A plan only moves forward when you approve it. If you reject it, the initiative goes back to Shaping so the plan can be revised. You can also ask for a new plan after one is approved, which goes back to Plan proposed for your decision.

## Where you see it

* On the initiative's page inside its project, with its current plan and any earlier approved plan.
* When a plan needs you, the initiative shows **Plan ready for your decision**.

## What you can do

* Discuss the goal and ask Iron Octopus for a plan.
* Approve the plan, or reject it to keep shaping.
* Change who owns the initiative.
* Cancel it.


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