What do you do if your project goals don't align with your business objectives?

Goal alignment is paramount for both parties and should have been addressed immediately when discovered. This “minor” goal misalignment may be tiny now but will exacerbate so divergently that costs will sky rise and the entire project may be scrapped!

The cost of misalignment between projects and strategic objectives can be substantial for a business. Operationally, when projects don’t align with the overarching strategic direction, resources are wasted, and efforts are diverted away from the organization's primary goals. This misalignment can result in financial implications, as resources are allocated to projects that don’t contribute to strategic objectives, leading to inefficient resource utilization. The impact of misalignment is not limited to operational aspects alone; it also affects the morale of project teams. When projects lack clear alignment with strategic objectives, project managers may find it challenging to motivate their teams and maintain a sense of purpose.

First, I would ensure that the business strategy clearly defines the future vision. I would review all current projects. Can critical EHS projects' scope be streamlined to cover the essentials? I would review projects needed for the next 1-2 years, and reduce scope to cover the essentials. I would stop remaining projects at a logical breakpoint (minimizing extra costs due to early stoppage). Finally, I would request a list of "new" projects that align with the business strategy. All projects would be rated with a system that indicates degree of alignment with the strategy plus other important factors such as cost and ROI. Each new project would be tested against the rating and prioritized accordingly. This would be the new process.

Definitely, any project that is not aligned with business objectives will be lucky to end before it starts. Knowing and understanding the business vision is a priority to generate projects that add value, technology is a means and not the goal. Best practices are based on articulating the efforts of the strategic vision throughout the organization, so it is of utmost importance that the approach to project objectives is defined to achieve business goals.

Make sure that all requirements are adjusted for the change in direction or scope adjustment. Confirm with the stakeholders and subject matter experts that this is a necessary change control/request that can’t be avoided. Once all parties are in agreement continue planning the phase towards executing this modification.

Communicate early AND often to establish trust among your teammates. This sets the tone of the culture to be transparent with yourself and others. Being honest, no matter how on track or off track your project is, is crucial to the success of any organization trying to achieve their mission. This works well in any and all relationships. You can't move forward without being honest with where you are at.

Third party vendors or professional services are a wonderful way to tap into these pools of resources. Consultants often provide the expertise and a fresh view point of what your organization may be missing or might benefit from. Or you can hire younger folks who are driven, and have the ability to innovate and think critically.

Audit: Audit your goals and strategies after alignment to make sure you have executed a perfect alignment, that will propel your business to productivity and be the sought after solution for your clients.