PMO Tips: Don't rush planning

Why is it that there is never enough time to do it right the first time, but there is always enough time to do it over, and over, and over? Taking the time to do it right often means more and better planning as well as more and better monitoring and control. These activities do take time. But to avoid them or to rush through them almost always results in miscues that lead to project delays, increased project costs, and customer dissatisfaction.

Now, there are those that might say, “we are an agile shop and we do iterative development, not that antiquated stage gate waterfall approach of the past.” Well, whoever said that there is no or minimal planning in the various Agile methods? To the contrary, I beg to differ. And, there is a difference between iterative development and ad hoc development in which additional passes are needed to correct mistakes.

So, whatever process or best practice you follow, seek to allow ample and appropriate time for planning and review throughout the project effort and concentrate on getting it right the first time.