Off the Block

 

"Well team, we are implementing this change because the boss thought it would be a great idea. Of course we know it won't work, but let's give it our best shot."

Is this an unrealistic look at a manager trying to motivate the troops, or an honest take on how we often try to start a project? While the words in our example were a bit stark, we often try to make changes with just this attitude. Is it any wonder that many projects dealing with change often get off to a poor start, resulting in a delayed, if not failed project?

When training with the swimming team in high school, it was drilled into us that a good start was essential. Crouching on the starting block, leaning forward with the anticipation of the start of the race until the cap gun went off, sending us flying through the air and into the water. We all knew that a good start was vital to win the race. Starting a project, especially one dealing with change, also requires a great start to build momentum leading to an easy finish that is on time and within budget.

While the start of the race was vital, it wasn't the first thing necessary to get to the finish line first. Preparation for a good start began before we even showed up for the first day of practice. It started the day tryouts were published in the school paper. For those of us who wanted to be on the team, we all took note of the date and time. Some …

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