The January Reset: A Primer for Project Managers
Bart has been in ecommerce for over 20 years, and can't imagine a better job to have. He is interested in all things agile, or anything new to learn.
The winter holidays are over, and the new year has begun. With the change of calendar comes a feeling of renewal and excitement…but it also comes with difficulties. After weeks of celebrations, disruptions, time away, and limited staffing, teams can feel like they are doing the preverbal walk uphill—through the snow, both ways—on the way to their desks.
This period is critical for project managers, teams and organizations. A project manager is able to set the tone for the rest of the year. This is based on their energy level and the strategies employed to reset the team and restart the push for delivery, both for the business and for customers.
But re-engaging the team involves a lot more than just half-day planning sessions and diving into the backlog and stories. It involves reconnecting with the team, bringing about a shared focus, and creating excitement over what is coming in the upcoming year.
This is true if you are picking up where the team left off in December, or starting on something completely new. The key is to strike the balance between restarting and regaining momentum, but not in a way that overwhelms the team. The goal is to use January as a launchpad for success, so that when everyone is fully back and fully operational, they are headed in the right direction and firing on all cylinders.
1. Recognizing Challenges
The weeks …
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"The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage." - Mark Russell |
