Take Small Project Risks To Avoid Big Ones

 

Taking small risks and failing fast is the best risk management strategy around.

Let me explain..

Vallidated Learning Through Small Risks

I identify strongly with the Lean Startup concept of validated learning, and I think every project is just like a startup. Especially in the beginning, validated learning is much more important than just cranking out a product for the sake of it.

If you think your customer will love something and you have the capability of demonstrating it in a visual way very quickly, do it!

The learning you gain from the experience, even if the customer hates it, is worth it.

Avoid Creating Your Own Big Risks

Too many project managers create their own large risk of producing a product no one will use.

That's the biggest risk of all.

Trying to avoid the small risks.  Being afraid to make mistakes. Being afraid to be wrong.

These are the attributes that result in big risks. And the project manager induces these herself.

What ways can you take small risks proactively to learn more quickly and avoid the big risks?

photo by Explore The Bruce