zoa consulting

EIGHT PROJECT FILTERS

1. Don’t create a project casually.
   1. A list of projects that are never completed devalues the importance of Project Work.
   2. Require a preliminary evaluation before concluding that a project needs to be created.  Request a preliminary report from the idea proponent before moving forward.  This should include a brief survey of all those affected by the project’s outcome (stakeholders).
2. Don’t start a project until its objectives and scope are clearly stated in a written plan that has been reviewed by stakeholders. 
3. Don’t start a project without solid, ongoing support from an executive.
4. Don’t start a project before a qualified project manager has accepted the role.
5. Don’t appoint the person who suggested the project as the Project Manager; they probably aren’t qualified for the role, plus the PM needs to maintain an objective point of view.
6. Don’t start a project before the scope is clearly defined. Projects often fail or are finished late because the scope grows.
7. Don’t set unrealistic timelines. Get input from the team when setting the timeline. Unrealistic timelines kill morale before a project is even started.
8. Don’t avoid asking the hard questions. Projects add work beyond daily responsibilities, and people need to commit to the extra time required, which could mean paying overtime.

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