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Project tasks are usually dependent on prerequisite tasks. Variability in the performance of the prerequisites can have significant impact on the downstream activity. Getting done when you say you will is one key. But that's not even half of the issue. We need to complete work to the conditions needed by the following performers. This week's Project e-Tip has a proposal for this. It comes from a reader in Canada.
 The Project Reformer's e-Tip of the Week |
| 031: Have the Next Person in Line Say when Something is Finished…"Done-Done" |
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We have all seen those instances where someone reports that a deliverable is finished but the people who need that deliverable disagree that the plan reports progress that has not been made. A common example is when programming is supposed to produce error-handling instructions to computer operations for the code that they deliver. A useful discipline is to not be able to report complete unless the receiver accepts the deliverable as complete. This encourages project performers to communicate and make clear what their requirements and capabilities are earlier in the project. Through time it improves planning and estimating by making the concept of internal acceptance a requirement. We've heard people use the expression done-done. The first "done" is the statement the performer makes when completing the task. "I'm done." The second "done" is what the next person in line says. "Looks done to me." Don't settle for anything less.
This e-Tip was suggested by David Waller, Work-Words, Ontario, Canada. David runs a project management coaching and business communications consulting company, 905-468-8484. |
©2004 Hal Macomber | weblog.halmacomber.com | e-Tip Archive | PDF | Submit Tip |
Share this e-Tip with your project team. And then ask them what advice they have for others. David Waller is receiving the book The Blind Men and the Elephant, Mastering Project Work, by David Schmaltz as a reward for publishing his proposal. There are more prizes where that came from! Get one for yourself.
? Guy Kawasaki wrote, "Less is the new more." Easy to learn: symmetry, seduction, subtraction, and sustainability. Very valuable to do. Step 1: Read Matt's book!! just 140 keystrokes.
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