#022: Navigating the transition from project start to Business as Usual (BAU)

Ever felt like your project is stuck in a loop of The NeverEnding Story? Picture this: a group of chief executives huddled together, discussing what I like to call 'project tinkering.' Some swear by the pursuit of perfection, fine-tuning every detail until it shines like a gem. But here's the twist: perfection, much like Falcor the luck dragon, is a fantasy.?

Whether it’s the finance team introducing a new budgeting process or IT implementing cutting-edge technology, hours can vanish tinkering, adjusting, and second-guessing outcomes before widespread sharing. Yet, true fitness for purpose is often only revealed through real-world usage. Striving for perfection is a sure-fire way of nothing ever being implemented, leaving ideas as mere concepts rather than tangible actions and results.?

For others, adopting a ‘good enough’ approach, is their natural way of working. They’re content to share a working version, allowing for iterative improvements as users provide feedback. However, in these scenarios, the project never truly transitions to business-as-usual. Responsibility remains with the originating team or individuals who developed the idea, trapped in a perpetual cycle of iteration.?

Which approach is best for effectively moving change projects to business-as-usual? Let’s explore. Delivered as always in 3 short tips, 2 things I have liked and 1 call-to-action.?

3 short tips?

1. Chasing perfection??

The reality is, perfect doesn’t exist (not convinced? Take a look at the perfectionist scale below). So, whether it stops you from starting or prevents you from finishing, striving for the unachievable will ultimately only hinder your progress.?

2. Consciously END a change project / initiative?

When it comes to moving something into business-as-usual ask yourself these three questions:?

• Have the benefits been delivered??
• Have the teething issues been resolved??
• Are the majority of the operational team confident with the new ways of working??

If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then agree with those involved that the piece of work has been delivered and end the project. Any further adjustments would be part of ongoing, continuous improvement.?

3. Celebrate the end?

Success breeds success! Before rushing on to the next ‘important thing’, take the time to celebrate completing the project.?It's great for everyone's motivation and builds resilience not just in your team but in you, the leader.

2 things I have liked?

1. Many perfectionists are so focussed on making sure that everything is perfect that they often become overwhelmed with their projects, resulting in delays and missed deadlines. I love the simplicity of the perfectionist scale, for reinforcing that done is always better than perfect.?

1. Are you a tinkerer? Ensure your projects have clearly defined goals, success criteria and a clear end date. Without a clear end date, the project team can continue to work indefinitely, unsure of when the project is considered finished.?

Note: if it’s a big change allow time post-launch for the project team to continue working on the project to resolve the initial teething problems. This could mean that the end date = launch date + 3 months.?

1 Call-to-action?

Reflect on your approach to change management. Are you a ‘Perfect Peter’ or more inclined to choose it’s 'good enough'? Share your thoughts and experiences. Let's continue the conversation on effectively navigating change projects to business-as-usual. Your insights could inspire others facing similar challenges.?

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