Projects - Forget it!

Introduction: Projects are often heralded as the main engines of change within businesses. Yet, once completed or depleted, they fade into oblivion, taking their accrued potential and knowledge with them. While some organizations set KPIs to continue monitoring their projects' impacts, and others initiate continuous improvement programs post-implementation, the stark reality remains: a substantial amount of potential and knowledge is buried once the project concludes. I aim to discuss strategies to prevent this loss and, moreover, how to harness these efforts to significantly benefit your business.

The first question I usually encounter when discussing project methodologies is: Does this apply to IT, Finance, Engineering, HR, etc.? Most methodologies are tightly bound to a specific sector—not inherently, but because they were first adopted within that industry and subsequently branded as such. Consider Six Sigma; originally deployed in manufacturing, it's often perceived as irrelevant outside this realm. Yet, Jack Welch successfully adapted it across General Electric's diverse sectors, including finance and internet services. The key was aligning the core principles of the methodology—like metrication and data-centric improvement—with the company's culture.

Adapt Project Methodologies to Your Culture: Success doesn't come from rigid adherence to a playbook. Every company, even those claiming to lack a distinctive culture, operates under a unique set of behaviors and languages that bind its members. Developing bespoke project methodologies that resonate with your corporate ethos can transform generic processes into powerful engines of change. By integrating elements from Six Sigma, Lean, Agile, or even traditional waterfall approaches into practices that reflect your organizational culture, you craft a specialized transformation strategy. This approach can be universally applied, from engineering to accounting.

Projects Mean Transformation: At their core, projects are transformative; they alter operational methodologies across departments. Transformation, however, should not be viewed as a one-off event—like merely installing new software and mandating its use. True transformation involves cultivating a dedicated team that not only uses, but embodies the new methodologies as extensions of your corporate values and culture. This elevates the process beyond simple tool implementation, creating a lived experience of business solutions.

Your Project Managers are Change Agents, Not Just Project Managers: This shift in approach also transforms your project managers into agents of change—innovators who drive your business forward. By designing project methodologies that are intrinsically linked to your company's culture, not only do you benefit directly, but you also cultivate an extraordinary pool of talent within your organization. This strengthens your company’s overall capabilities and adaptability.

Just Do It! Embarking on this journey is not as daunting as it may seem, but it does require commitment to real transformation and some initial investment in developing your methodologies and training your change agents. It’s not rocket science; the tools and methods available are numerous and adaptable. What it truly takes is the determination to just do it.

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