Project e-Tip of the Week
August 13th, 2003 by Hal
In this week's Project e-Tip I suggest project managers/leaders adopt an emergent approach to planning and delivering their projects. I contrast an emergent approach with the approach of operating to a fixed baseline plan. Most projects are neither fully emergent or fixed to an original plan. We all know that. However, it doesn't keep us from measuring and reporting to a baseline. Nor does it keep us from wanting to deliver the project the way we conceived it to be. Let the pendulum swing towards an emergent approach. Let's stop fighting with the uncertainty and unknowability of the future. We can't win.
 The Project Reformer's e-Tip of the Week |
| 013: Help Your Team Unfold the Project |
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So, I admit it; the title is a bit clumsy. Unfold the Project? What could that mean? All too often project plans are developed early in the life of a project without the input of those executing the project. While there may be great value in doing that early planning, continuing to operate to that one (right) plan misses the opportunities afforded by both the experience acquired while implementing AND the perspectives, talents, and intentions of the project participants. When we try to operate to the baseline plan we work against nature. Life happens. People bring unexpected talents and challenges to the project. Instead of working to get reality to conform to the plan, try adjusting the plan to conform to reality! This is what I call unfolding the project. Start by inviting people to share their ambitions for being on the project. Then inquire into the unique talents and strengths that each participant brings. Finally, invite team members to continuously offer their perspectives, assessments, recommendations, and needs to adjust the plan as you go. Sure this is more planning work than managing to the baseline plan. But it is not likely to be more work overall. When you help people unfold the project they will help you stay on target. That's help every project manager can appreciate.
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©2003 Hal Macomber | RPM | e-Tip Archive | PDF | Submit Tip |
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