I came across this little bit of sarcastic information on project management steps in my daily web reading. I can't tell you who the author is because it's been copied everywhere without credit... but it's not me.
I do however adhere to these 6 steps when the project is mismanaged and miscommunicated - which I realize is often.
So here are the 6 'real' phases of a project:
1. Enthusiasm
2. Disillusionment
3. Panic
4. Search for the Guilty
5. Punishment of the Innocent
6. Praise and Honors for the Non-Participants
Former City of New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani gave us a brilliant and memorable quote at the Republican Convention a few days ago. (I'm not showing my colors - I've watched most of both Conventions).
This quote sums up everything I believe in about two grand concepts I love: change and strategy. I take it out of context and I do not apply it to American politics, but rather to my experience in the corporate world and in human relationships.
"Change is not a destination just like hope is not a strategy".
Bullseye.
‘Is the project finished?’
‘Almost’
This back and forth happens all too often in corporations today with horrendous results. 80 % of projects today never get completed adequately because we have too many ‘almosts’.
From FGT, a boutique expert project management firm, comes a list of 8 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Project Management. These 8 answer the age-old question ‘Is the project finished?’ If you are able to say yes (objectively) to these 8, then pat yourself on the back, you’ve delivered your project. These 8 also kill the all-too-often-mentioned answer ‘I’m almost finished the project’ - which still give me shivers.
I’ve used these 8 CSF everywhere, they’re simple and they work.
Has your project been delivered:
- on time
- on budget
- with the required specifications
- to the satisfaction of the team
- to the satisfaction of the leadership
- to the satisfaction of the client
- with an initial project justification
- with an ending project evaluation
Now go and deliver.
Disclaimer: FGT is my dad’s project management company and can be found at www.fgt.com.
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