Successful projects start with a shared vision.
Daniel Stanton
CEO @ Mr. Supply Chain | Supply Chain and Project Management | 2.5+ Million Online Learners 丹尼尔·斯坦顿
As Yogi Berra would say, "If you don't know where you're going, you might end up someplace else."
We've all seen this play out in projects, haven't we? In the beginning, everyone is energized about your new initiative. But a few months down the line, folks discover that they have different goals for the project, and many people aren't really sure why you're doing the project at all.
This dynamic happens all the time in organizations, and has actually been given a name; it's called the Abilene Paradox. Basically, organizations end up deciding to do something that nobody really wants. The reason? The people making the decision are uncomfortable asking questions, sharing their opinions, and rocking the boat.
Here's a short video that talks about how to Define the vision for your project using the DIRECT project leadership framework, from my LinkedInLearning course "Project Management Foundations: Leading Projects."
The consequences of the Abilene Paradox can be enormous. In fact, some would argue that this phenomenon lies at the heart of most engineering and business failures. The more significant your project is, the more important it is for you, as the leader, to avoid this pervasive threat.
The antidote to the Abilene Paradox is effective communication.
The best way to protect yourself, and your team, from the Abilene Paradox is to engage your stakeholders fully from the beginning of your project. Create an atmosphere which fosters candid communication. Make sure that everyone has a clear understanding of what you are trying to accomplish, and listen carefully to their feedback and concerns.
As one of my friends often says, "None of us is as smart as all of us." Building a shared vision with your entire team at the beginning of your project will make it easier for everyone to stay focused on the right goals as you move forward together.
About the Author: Daniel Stanton, PMP is President of SecureMarking and Associate Professor of Operations Management at the Jack Welch Management Institute. He is also the author of "Leading Projects" and "Business Acumen for Project Managers" on LinkedIn Learning, and of Supply Chain Management for Dummies from Wiley.
#LinkedInLearning #ProjectManagement #Leadership
Director of Education at the Association for Advancing Automation - A3
7 年Great read and video on the Abilene Paradox. Thanks for sharing.
Some great stuff in here Ben Clifton. I particularly enjoyed the Yogi quote and the video on The Abilene Paradox. Can you apply this to any projects you have been involved in recently?
Designing Manager at Saty creative innovative works cop
7 年Hi Daniel Stanton Best Regard. Successful project start with humanity to develope itself for the future vision to scrutiny for the world, a vision is shared to develope the future prospect for every successful organization for it development. Justice vision is to liberate the human halt plight against violence against the vulnerables to etiquette the world misconduct which can lead to war and stability for equity to the nation's,education is a vision shared with people to bring out their potentials in them and to enlighten humanity on future development. The visions of every government is to develope etiquette scrutiny the demand of the people will not be a plight and the agenda is shared for nation's development, every organization has it visions and prospect to share with his group on human capital development scheme's cause a vision shared will resolve the halt plight to success .UoL Law Student Kindly Regards
Chief of Staff at Hamaspik of Kings County | Team Leadership | Business and Personal Development | Public Speaking
7 年very good, reminds me of my read "7 habits of highly effective people".