The Importance of a Good Foundation

 

In Utah, if something is 100 to 150 years old we think it's old. However, in other parts of the world, the foundations are old enough that they existed long before the Utah Pioneers settled the valley. I was reminded of that last month when I visited London and walked around the grand buildings that predate the formation of our country, and this week as I've had a couple of days to visit a couple of Japanese historical sites.

I don't think it really matters what type of project we're working on, before we can empower the team to really make a difference, we need to make sure that we have a good foundation of work management best practice. Otherwise, the project structure we build will never stand the test of time. Here are a few practices I have come to rely on as the solid foundation to a successful project:

1. Make sure the project has a strong sponsor.  Every project needs a sponsor who will evangelize the value of the initiative throughout the life of the project.
2. Make sure the project is adequately funded.  The temptation is to take whatever funding is offered, but without adequate funding—it's usually the project manager who ends up in hot water when the project fails for lack of financial resources.
3. Pick the right team.  Make sure the team includes all the skills that will be needed for success.  Just because someone is available, doesn't always mean they are the best to work on your project.
4. Plan.  Planning is more than just preparing to deliver the final product.  It should involve a continual process of evaluation and adjustment.
5. Know the end before you begin.  Make sure you know what the outcome of a successful project is before you start.  What does "done" mean?  Financial experts call this an "exit plan."
6. Prepare for change.  The very nature of projects create change.  Whether it's a new product or an improvement in process or technology.  Makes sure to prepare for the change.

Regardless of the particular work management methodology you choose, or even the project management software you use, if you are able to encourage some foundational project management behaviors that have proven to produce successful projects, I can't promise that your project will last for hundreds of years, but you'll likely become skilled at leading successful project teams.

Are there any other foundational practices we should add to the list?