How to Improve on Process Part 5: Process Rollout
Once you’ve identified potential pain points with the team that have then been validated through data, you have an opportunity to drive change through process updates. Although developing a new process idea may feel like the final step at evolving the way your teams work, it is often just the beginning. Team members may be…
How to Improve on Process, Part 4: Data Considerations
Budgetary Case StudyI’m sure many of us have heard the phrase “correlation does not equal causation”. However, causation can be incredibly difficult to pinpoint in the face of numerous variables. Therefore, if testing a number of categories that drive to the same causation conclusion, it drives our confidence in the root cause of an issue.…
How to Improve on Process, Part 3: Hypothesis Development
Early ConsiderationsGenerally speaking, it’s more ideal to approach the portfolio/program process issues first. This may end up alleviating project-specific pain points as a result. Level-set the list of process issues based on Process Risk Scores and let’s try to develop some testable hypotheses. Hypotheses should be informed based on observations, but the key element is…
How to Improve on Process, Part 2: Observation through Communication
As a first step in process change, I look to understand key stakeholder needs individually. There are often two high-level groupings to consider: internal and external. Some project managers work hand-in-hand with the clients, others learn of client needs through a specific client services team. Alternatively, projects can have internal sponsors; a company looking to…
How To Improve on Process, Part 1: High-level Considerations
You’ve been brought onto a program or portfolio and you’ve been informed that there are issues that need to be addressed (e.g. over-budget, late delivery, quality concerns, client/project sponsor dissatisfaction). Oh boy. This may be a fun challenge or an anxiety-inducing test of patience; for many, it’s a bit of both. Loosely-defined problems can be…
How to Effectively Transfer Knowledge, Part 1: Understanding Your Audience
“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” Similarly, it’s impossible for information to make an impact, if no one is made aware of it. Understanding your audience should be the first step to developing oral or written communication content. I have witnessed…
Rambles of a Campbell 