The Most Precious Commodity, Time

You could've done better, but I don't mind

You just kinda wasted my precious time

But don't think twice, it's all right

-????????Bob Dylan, Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

I have been having a debate with a project sponsor recently. They would like to see bodies engaged and effort expended towards their project but as the project manager, I resist because I only engage team members when they have the highest likelihood of success and not a moment sooner. Throwing resources at a task before the right moment rarely yields the expected results and often so disenfranchises key personnel that the entire project can be thrown into peril.

Prime people for success: Before you engage, you need to ask, “Has an environment been created where they can succeed?” Can you demonstrate that the groundwork has been laid before asking they commit their precious time? Failure to prime leads to a failed task and is demoralizing and will result in diminishing returns. Priming demonstrates good faith and respect of the project team.

That means ALL the persons involved in your project: executive sponsors, sponsors, subject matter experts, customers, clients, rank & file:

1. Their time is extremely valuable.
2. The project pulls them away from work that pays the bills.
3. They are not experts in requirements, testing or governance
4. They do not care what a project manager does
5. They need their problem solved

A few good rules:

1. Start a task when critical dependencies are complete. Resist the pressure to “get things going” when the foundation for the task is not in place.
2. Proactively message so people know they have to commit time
3. Set expectations: What is being accomplished, why and what is their commitment?
4. Be blunt and to the point.
5. Be brief and demonstrate that you value their time
6. Always thank them for their time and their commitment
7. Apologize if something is turns out not to be ready

A good place to start: Create a set of elevator speeches (2 minutes or less) to describe why the participant’s attendance has been requested. Describe the advance work accomplished, the task before them and how their commitment is measured.?